Alberto Santamato

Space-based quantum key distribution would allow, in the near future, secure communications be- tween parties over continental distances, complementing short-range fiber-based quantum networks. However, further demonstrations of daylight operations over free-space channels and the full compatibility with the telecom-based fiber infrastructure are still necessary. Here we present the prototype for daylight QKD at 1550 nm we developed as a demonstrator for application of QKD both on ground and in Space. Our QKD source, exploiting integrated silicon photonics technology, allows to reach a QBER of 1% during the field-test performed over a 145 m link, and represents a promising resource to design quantum optical payloads to be implemented in future satellite missions.