Design of an Optical System for three Wavelength Quantum Key Distribution

Abstract

With the rise of quantum computers, today’s encryption methods are not safe from being broken in the future. With the help of Quantum Key Distribution, however, we can move towards encryption technologies, that can not be broken due to the underlying mathematical principles. This thesis describes the development of an optical system to demonstrate Quantum Key Distribution from an airplane to ground in the QuNET flight campaign. The optical system is developed for an existing mechanical setup, that can be mounted into one of DLRs research airplanes. The development starts from theoretical calculations, running through several iterations of optimisation, up to the point, that a working setup has been developed, that is usable under realistic flight scenarios for the planned experiments. With a first tolerancing analysis, a first step is done towards the manufacturing of the developed system.