WG4: Implementations

Leader:
Christoph Marquardt
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light

Vice Leader:
Vladyslav Usenko
Palacky University

The studies and applications put forward and identified in the other Working Groups are tested in proof-of-principle experiments and finally have to be implemented in real space missions. Implementation in space hardware is a complex process that requires substantial coordination, which WG4 is aiming for. 

The process implies not only the discussion of concrete implementations of ideas that have been recognized in the other Working Groups. From the beginning there is a need to identify common challenges regarding technology needs and building up a network of available infrastructure both on the technical and on the management level. Already early in the design process one has to identify mission parameters and mission designs. 

The technology development that is required has to be performed in international collaboration between academia, national research institutes, space agencies and industrial partners. Hardware testing in space relevant environment (vibrations, radiation hardness, vacuum and temperature parameters) is costly and complex. Sharing experience and coordinating efforts thus is crucial. 

We will also focus on identifying funding opportunities and communicate with space agencies. Space implementations heavily rely on international collaboration. We will further broaden the support by international researchers and their respective national space agencies beyond the European level. Finally it will be important to determine and coordinate technology-development and mission-proposal opportunities. Here we will communicate with industry and space agencies and identify synergetic effects. 

QTSpace enables the unique opportunity to find out common technological platforms and methods that can be developed jointly for the different scientific fields ranging from optical quantum communication to cold-atom interferometry, optomechanics or optical atomic clocks. Joint development and implementation technologies will reduce cost and make missions feasible by combining technology in a single payload. Towards these goals the working group is organizing meetings, workshops and training schools.