LAND

Large Area Nano-wire Detector for Quantum and Optical Communication Applications

IN PROGRESS

The project aims to develop a large-area superconducting nanowire single-photon detector designed for applications where secure and reliable data transmission is critical. 

The Need

Modern satellite communication systems such as DSOC and QKD rely on optical links that must be exceptionally efficient, reliable, and secure. Demand for these technologies is driven primarily by the telecommunications and space sectors — but this is only the beginning. In practice, the potential applications of optical communication, understood as secure data transfer, are nearly limitless. 

Project Objective

The objective of the project is to design and manufacture a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) for ground-based communication systems supporting the development of DSOC (Distributed Satellite Operations Center) and QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) satellite demonstrators. 

The system will feature a multi-pixel sensor integrated with dedicated electronics and mechanical components, including a telescope adapter. The project aims to overcome the key barriers that have so far limited the broader adoption of SNSPD detectors in quantum and telecommunications applications. 

Fun fact: one of the ambitious goals of the project is to enable reliable communication links between Earth and the Gateway. The Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway (LOP-G) is a planned space station in lunar orbit that will serve as a staging and research hub for Moon missions and future deep-space exploration, including Mars. 

 

In short – Key Detector Parameters

The designed detector: 

• is based on superconducting nanowire technology (SNSPD), currently considered the most advanced single-photon detection technology for optical communications 

• features a large active area (100 × 100 µm) 

• is divided into four independent quadrants (4QD) that can operate separately or jointly 

Near-infrared SNSPDs combine high quantum efficiency, extremely low dark count rates, and ultra-low timing jitter, resulting in high transmission speed and signal quality. The near-infrared range is particularly attractive for long-distance communication due to the availability of high-power lasers and favorable atmospheric transmission conditions. 

The large active sensor area improves usability and enhances the efficiency of long-distance free-space laser links, while the modular architecture enables future upgrades of the sensor, electronics, and operating environment. This makes the detector well suited for the most demanding DSOC and QKD communication links. 

Consortium:

Creotech Quantum  

Financing:

Total project value:

999 627 euro

Project funding amount:

399 903 euro

Key Challenges

The project addresses several critical challenges: 

• limited detector size and efficient free-space coupling 

• sensor throughput determining maximum data transmission rates 

• achieving extremely low timing jitter 

• very short dead time, enabling near-instant readiness for subsequent detections 

• precise satellite tracking and stable beam alignment 

• integration of a compact telescope with a closed-cycle SNSPD cryostat 

Expected Outcome

By developing a complete system — including the sensor, electronics, and mechanics — the solution will enable: 

• single-photon counting with throughput up to 1 Gbps in free-space coupling 

• seamless installation on astronomical telescopes without disrupting their operation 

• signal encoding using PPM modulation 

• automatic beam tracking 

• fast deployment and intuitive system operation 

 

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