DIU's Quantum Sensor Cleared for X-37B Launch

🚀 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲-𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗠 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗶𝗤𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 One of LaiQa key milestones is the development of a space-qualified Polarization Modulation (PM) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) source, led by qssys - Quantum Space Systems GmbH under WP3 and WP7. 🔬 The team’s progress includes: • Designing the system using space-suitable components and conducting extensive in-lab testing • Establishing a PM-QKD source assembly line and performing system-level QBER performance evaluations • Preparing for integration and demonstration at TNO’s FSO-QKD testbed and the Helmos Optical Ground Station (OGS) These efforts bring us closer to secure quantum communication links between space and ground, paving the way for a new era of resilient and trusted connectivity. 🌌🔑 Find out more at 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d944DKhy #LaiQaProject #QuantumCommunication #QKD #SpaceTech #LaiQaProject #Photonics #QuantumSecurity #HorizonEurope #EUfunded

Researchers participating in Germany's QuNET initiative demonstrated that individual photons can be transmitted from a moving aircraft. Working as a mobile node in a quantum network, the aircraft was equipped with an optical communication terminal featuring a module that produces quantum-entangled photons. The photons were beamed to a specialized mobile ground station where they were captured, coupled into a fiber optical cable, and sent to an ion trap to verify their quantum states. https://lnkd.in/e4vNAZjc

This week, our team completed another round of proton irradiation tests - this time on Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs) for our 2.5 Gbps transceivers. These tests help ensure radiation tolerance and reliable performance in demanding environments. Thanks to Jasper Dijks and NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Centre for the great collaboration! #Space #SpaceTechnology #RadiationTesting #LaserSatCom #FSOInstruments #NLR #NEXTGENHIGHTECH

𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐂𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 This week we’re running proton irradiation tests on different avalanche photodiode (APD) and transimpedance amplifier (TIA) technologies to understand how they perform under radiation. We’re tracking bit error rate, power characteristics, and TIA signal strength to understand performance impacts, and comparing the results with GEANT4 simulations. This work is part of a broader screening and technology study for Laser SatCom systems by Nederlands Lucht- en Ruimtevaartcentrum and FSO Instruments (Niels Donkers and Jason James), within the NXTGEN Hightech program. #LaserSatCom #RadiationTesting #Photonics #SpaceTechnology

New in Quantum Photonics: The EPS-1000-3A broadband polarization-entangled photon source (1564–9125 nm) opens up advanced possibilities in quantum communications, secure networks, and precision sensing. Its broad spectral range and entanglement quality make it a strong candidate for next-gen quantum systems. Learn more about its specs and potential: https://lnkd.in/eEUkC_dk #Quantum #Photonics #QuantumEngineering #ResearchAndDevelopment

🚀 I'm heading out to Crete for the 7th ESA Quantum Technology Conference — the European hub where institutions, space industry, and academia come together to shape the future of quantum technologies for space. This event stands out not only for its scientific and engineering excellence, but also for its focus on policy, commercialisation, and collaboration — creating bridges across all parts of the European quantum ecosystem. As optical ground stations (OGS) become essential to connecting space-based quantum links with terrestrial networks, high-performance single-photon detection is emerging as a cornerstone technology. At ID Quantique, we’re proud to contribute to this vision with SNSPD systems designed for the next generation of European OGS infrastructures. If you’ll be there too and want to exchange ideas on quantum links, OGS technology, or detection challenges, I’d be delighted to connect! #QuantumTechnology #ESA #SNSPD #QuantumCommunication #OpticalGroundStation #QuantumNetworks #SatelliteQKD #SpaceTech #IDQ

IonQ Completes Acquisition of Vector Atomic, the Global Leader in Advanced Quantum Sensing IonQ has completed its acquisition of Vector Atomic, enhancing its quantum technology platform with advanced sensing capabilities and adding over 75 experts to its team. #quantum #quantumcomputing #technology https://lnkd.in/eunahHHi

Hybridization Algorithms Optimize Onboard Classical and Quantum Accelerometers for Airborne Acceleration Measurements By combining data from a highly sensitive atom interferometer with a conventional accelerometer, researchers significantly improve the accuracy of airborne acceleration measurements and reduce errors in calibrating the conventional instrument. #quantum #quantumcomputing #technology https://lnkd.in/ejbh7Zm5

QuantX Labs exemplifies the new generation of quantum-enabled defence suppliers emerging from allied research ecosystems. Founded in 2016 as a University of Adelaide spin-out, the Australian company develops high-precision quantum clocks and sensors—technologies central to future-proofing Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) networks against satellite disruption. Its cryogenic sapphire oscillator (“CryoClock”) already underpins Australia’s $1.2 billion JORN radar upgrade, while its TEMPO optical atomic clock—based on rubidium two-photon transitions—will soon fly on a Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) mission, demonstrating space-qualified timing performance an order of magnitude superior to current GNSS references. QuantX’s compact quantum magnetometers also open applications in maritime and underground threat detection. For Europe, these capabilities correspond directly to critical EDT categories—Quantum Technologies, Space Systems, and Advanced Sensors—where sovereign supply remains limited. QuantX’s solutions could augment NATO’s multi-domain C4ISR architecture by enabling independent timing and resilient communications, yet its absence from EDF or PESCO frameworks keeps these benefits external to the EU industrial base. The company operates solely from Australia, with allied (AUKUS and Australian DoD) funding and no European production footprint. In Defence Finance Monitor’s assessment, QuantX Labs scores 4/10 on the European sovereignty scale: an emerging capability with strategic potential. Its technologies are fully aligned with EU and NATO priorities but require European partnerships or co-development to avoid future dependence on non-EU quantum suppliers. #DefenceFinanceMonitor #QuantX #QuantumTechnologies #OpticalClock #CryoClock #PNT #C4ISR #SpaceSystems #AUKUS #NATO #StrategicAutonomy #QuantumSensing #AlliedInnovation https://lnkd.in/d5bSyKGD

Exciting news to share: Our acquisition of Vector Atomic is now complete! 🎉 We are thrilled to collaborate with the exceptional VA team to enhance IonQ’s Quantum Networking and Sensing portfolio with the world’s best precision atomic clocks, inertial sensors, and synchronization hardware. A big congratulations to the entire Vector Atomic team and deal team for achieving this significant milestone! Learn more about the acquisition here: https://lnkd.in/gWvbVBMQ 🚀 #QuantumTechnology #QuantumSensing #PNT #Innovation