Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics

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    Quantum and Optical Communication for Satellite Systems

    A tantárgy neve magyarul / Name of the subject in Hungarian: Műholdas rendszerekben alkalmazott kvantum- és optikai kommunikáció

    Last updated: 2025. február 7.

    Budapest University of Technology and Economics
    Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics     		Space Engineering MSc
    Course ID Semester Assessment Credit Tantárgyfélév
    VIHIMSUB001-00   2/2/0/f 4  
    3. Course coordinator and department Dr. Gerhátné Udvary Eszter,
    4. Instructors
        Dr. Eszter Gerhátné Udvary     associate professor    BME-HIT
    Dr. László Bacsárdi     associate professor    BME-HIT

    5. Required knowledge Infocommunication
    6. Pre-requisites
    Ajánlott:
    -
    7. Objectives, learning outcomes and obtained knowledge The course provides insight into the latest developments in satellite optical and quantum communications. From the perspective of quantum technologies, the focus will be on quantum communication application areas (including quantum random number generation in space, satellite quantum key distribution, and the quantum internet). Participants will learn the fundamentals and technological challenges of satellite optical communications. The course does not assume a deep knowledge of quantum mechanics or optics. The course topics and curriculum have been developed in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), and therefore the course is taught in English.
    8. Synopsis Lectures
    1.    Introduction and motivation. Why do we use optical and quantum communication in space?
    2.    Introduction to quantum communication from an engineering perspective 1.
    postulates, superposition, entanglement, no-cloning theorem
    3.    Introduction to quantum communication from an engineering perspective 2.
    quantum random numbers, quantum key distribution principle, prepare-and-measure QKD, entanglement-based QKD, quantum error correction.
    4.    Basic cryptography, information theory security, post-quantum cryptography, quantum cryptography.
    5.    Properties of free-space optical transmission channels- Quality degradation of propagation effects in free-space optical quantum channels, atmospheric turbulent flow and scintillation, scattering effects.
    6.    Adaptive optics techniques. Reference wave in adaptive optical system, wavefront detectors, wavefront correctors, modal phase correction and modal phase conjugation.
    7.    Optical noise sources, background radiation in day and night conditions. Effect of background radiation on quantum communication.
    8.    Optical and quantum communication approaches in different connections (free space, satellite-satellite, ground-satellite).
    9.    Current development directions of satellite optical communication and quantum communication systems.
    10.  Space segment: architecture of optical satellite communication system.
    11.  Ground segment: Optical ground stations. Quantum-capable optical ground station
    12.  Quantum memories on satellites, satellite quantum internet (quantum information theory, superactivation of quantum channels, quantum repeaters and quantum memories).
    13.  Satellite optical quantum communication networks of the future
    14.  Summary, outlook.

    Practices
    1.    Basic phenomena of free space optics
    2.    Basic operations of quantum informatics
    3.    Design of quantum key distribution systems
    4.    Role of random numbers in encryption processes
    5.    Quantum random number generators
    6.    Satellite quantum communication channel model
    7.    Measurement of free space optical background radiation, determination of noise sources
    8.    Presentation of homework
    9.    Integration of optical subsystem (payload) into a satellite platform
    10.  Quantum-capable optical ground stations for satellite systems
    11.  Cryptography practice
    12.  Lab visit to an industrial partner 1.
    13.  Lab visit to an industrial partner 2.
    14.  Design issues of a satellite quantum internet. Additional presentation of homework.
    9. Method of instruction

    Lecture. Due to the successful completion of the subject and the building of knowledge, continuous mastery of the delivered curriculum is necessary.

    Practice: Review of what was said in the lecture, supplementing it with practical examples. Presentation of the most important practical knowledge in the laboratory

    10. Assessment a. Study period:
    Homework submission in the 8th week, maximum of 30 points.
    Mid-semester exam at the end of the semester, maximum of 70 points.
    At least 40% must be achieved in both the homework and the mid-semester exam.
    A total of 100 points (30+70) can be achieved during the semester. The end-of-semester grade is based on the points achieved, with cut-off points of 40, 55, 70, 85 points.

    b. Exam period:
    -

    c. Preliminary exam:
    -

    11. Recaps Late homework submission is possible until the end of the 14th week of the study period.
    Mid-semester exam can be improved during the retake week after the study period

    12. Consultations On request, at a pre-arranged time.
    13. References, textbooks and resources 1.    Optical Communications: Advanced Systems and Devices for Next Generation Networks (Telecommunications and Information Technology) 1st ed. 2019 Edition by Alberto Paradisi (Editor), Rafael Carvalho Figueiredo (Editor), Springer
    2.    Samir Ahmed Al-Gailani et al., A Survey of Free Space Optics (FSO), Communication Systems, Links, and Networks, IEEE Access, December 29, 2020
    3.    Kaltenbaek, R., Acin, A., Bacsardi, L. et al. Quantum technologies in space. Exp Astron 51, 1677–1694 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-021-09731-x
    4.    S.Imre, B. Ferenc, Quantum computing and communication, An engineering approach, Wiley 2004,  ISBN 9780470869024

    14. Required learning hours and assignment
    Contact hours 56
    Preparation for lectures 8
    Preparation for practices 
    		 16
    Preparation for mid-semester exam 15
    Homework 25
    sum 120
    15. Syllabus prepared by Dr. László Bacsárdi     associate professor    BME-HIT
    Dr. Eszter Gerhátné Udvary     associate professor    BME-HIT