Proof-of-Concept Experiments for Quantum Physics in Space

Abstract

Quantum physics experiments in space using entangled photons and satellites are within reach of current technology. We propose a series of fundamental quantum physics experiments that make advantageous use of the space infrastructure with specific emphasis on the satellite-based distribution of entangled photon pairs. The experiments are feasible already today and will eventually lead to a Bell-experiment over thousands of kilometers, thus demonstrating quantum correlations over distances which cannot be achieved by purely earth-bound experiments.

15 pages, 10 figures, to appear in: SPIE Proceedings on Quantum Communications and Quantum Imaging (2003)