Projecte ofert
Títol: Assembly and Characterization of a Multiplexed Microcontroller-based Temperature Control System for Single-Photon Detectors on Satellites
Per assignar-vos el projecte us heu de dirigir al director/a perquè us l'assigni.
Director/a: JOFRE CRUANYES, MARC
Departament: ENTEL
Títol: Assembly and Characterization of a Multiplexed Microcontroller-based Temperature Control System for Single-Photon Detectors on Satellites
Data inici oferta: 01-08-2026 Data finalització oferta: 01-03-2027
Estudis d'assignació del projecte:
GR ENG SIS TELECOMUN- GR ENG SIST AEROESP
| Tipus: Individual | |
| Lloc de realització: EETAC | |
| Paraules clau: | |
| Single-photon detectors, Multiplexed temperature control systems, Microcontrollers, Satellite-based quantum communication networks, Thermal management | |
| Descripció del contingut i pla d'activitats: | |
| Description
Single-photon detectors (SPDs) are one of the key elements in satellite-based quantum communication networks [1], [2]. These networks utilize SPDs either to detect received single photons in quantum receivers or to evaluate the performance of quantum sources in orbit. Moreover, SPDs are foundational components for the future of satellite-based quantum communication networks, but their effectiveness is heavily dependent on precise thermal management [3]. In space environments, these detectors suffer from proton radiation-induced displacement damage that continuously increases their dark count rate, eventually threatening the viability of quantum protocols like key distribution and teleportation. To address these challenges, this project proposes to develop a microcontroller-based temperature controller as an engineering project because SPDs must be reliably cooled to with minimum power usage and fixed temperatures to minimize these dark counts and maintain consistent detection efficiency. Methodology and Objectives to achieve The approach of the project follows the advancement of satellite-based quantum communication networks, which rely heavily on SPDs to process quantum information and distribute highly correlated resources. Because these quantum detectors are highly susceptible to space radiation that increases dark count rates, precise thermal management provides an essential framework for maintaining detection efficiency. Accordingly, the main objective of this research project is to design, implement, and characterize a robust thermal management system for these detectors. In particular, the system will emulate the precise cooling and multiplexed thermal control processes required to operate SPDs systems compatible with aerospace quantum communications networks. The specific objectives of this research project are: - Develop a microcontroller-based multiplexed temperature controller. - Assemble the system on a PCB inside a laboratory rack. - Characterize and discuss results, limitations, conclusions, and future work. Workplan First, during the development phase, the student will have an initial breadboard prototype prepared by the thesis directors. At the assembly stage, the candidate will have access to the FabLab equipment and services. Finally, at the characterization stage, the student will have a fully equipped laboratory and the help of the thesis directors. References [1] R. V. Meter, Quantum Networking, 1st edition. Hoboken - New Jersey (USA): Wiley-ISTE, 2014. [2] J. Yin et al., "Satellite-based entanglement distribution over 1200 kilometers," Science, vol. 356, no. 6343, pp. 1140-1144, Jun. 2017, doi: 10.1126/science.aan3211. [3] N. Sultana et al., "CubeSat single-photon detector module for investigating in-orbit laser annealing to heal radiation damage," Dec. 29, 2024, arXiv: arXiv:2412.20559. doi: 10.48550/arXiv.2412.20559. For further information contact: Prof. Marc Jofre: marc.jofre@upc.edu Dept. Network Engineering - EETAC https://sites.google.com/view/marcjofre/research |
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| Orientació a l'estudiant: | |
| No knowledge in Quantum principles or technology is required for this project. The student must start writing the project report from the beginning of the work and regularly submit progress to the directors during regular meetings. The work is designed to be completed during a semester in the laboratory with constant dedication and approximately five hours a day. | |
| Requereix activitats hardware: Si | |
| Requereix activitats software: No | |
| Horari d'atenció a estudiants per a l'assignació de projecte: All days. Contact by email: marc.jofre@upc.edu |
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