Optical Free-Space Communication on Earth and in Space regarding Quantum Cryptography Aspects

Abstract

Mobile FSO Communication links have gained signi�cant at- tention over the last years due to their increasing maturity. They are used in point to point link scenarios where the high gain in power efficiency and datarate is crucial, compared to state-of-the-art RF links. The Optical Communication Group of German Aerospace Center's Institute of Communication and Navigation is conducting research and practical investigations of mobile optical high-speed communication links between diverse platforms, e.g. optical links from aircrafts, UAVs or Satel- lites to Ground. This paper will give an overview on the current and future work of the Optical Communication Group in this fi�eld, with additional regard to quantum communications.