Radiation tolerance of opto-electronic components proposed for space-based quantum key distribution

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the radiation tolerance of key opto-electronic components, such as single photon detectors and liquid crystal polarization rotators, for space-based quantum key distribution, ensuring their reliability in low earth orbit conditions.

Contribution

It provides experimental data on the radiation tolerance of specific opto-electronic components, aiding in the design of durable space-based quantum communication systems.

Findings

Uncooled Si APD can operate for over a month in low earth orbit.

Liquid crystal polarization rotator remains unaffected by radiation exposure.

Components show sufficient radiation tolerance for space mission durations.

Abstract

Plasma in low earth orbit can damage electronic components and potentially jeopardise the scientific missions in space. Predicting the accumulated damage and understanding the components' radiation tolerance are important to mission planning. In this manuscript we report on the observed radiation tolerance of single photon detectors and a liquid crystal polarization rotator. We conclude that an uncooled Si APD could continue to operate from more than a month up to beyond the lifetime of the satellite depending on the orbit. The polarization rotator was also unaffected by the exposed dosage.