On June 3rd and 4th, members of the PCRL, coordinator of the Horizon Europe Project LaiQa, carried out an exciting experimental campaign at the Aristarchos Optical Ground Station (OGS) in Helmos Mountain, Greece.
The purpose of the visit was to:
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Assess the coupling efficiency of the 2.3-meter telescope.
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Conduct background sky measurements during both day and night, supporting the development of reliable quantum links under realistic conditions.
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Perform polarized single photon transmission through the telescope.
These tests mark a key step in LaiQa’s vision of enabling secure and high-performance quantum communication between Earth and space.
LaiQa is a technology-intensive research and innovation action that aims to develop the critical components and systems required for a global space-based quantum network. The project brings together cutting-edge quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies, including space-deployable entangled photon pair sources, a photonic integrated EPPS, quantum memory modules, adaptive optics for space/ground convergence, and advanced software for system optimization. Demonstrations are planned in both laboratory settings and field campaigns—like the one at Helmos OGS—to validate LaiQa’s approach to unconditionally secure, long-distance quantum communication.
Special thanks to Manolis Xilouris, Athanasios Marousis and his team Alexis and Giannis from the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) for their invaluable support and collaboration during this campaign.
🔗 Learn more at www.laiqa-project.eu
