OHB System AG Oberpfaffenhofen – Development and Implementation of Polarization Synchronization Algorithm for Microcontrollers (m/f/d)

published since: 


Satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) offers a paradigm-changing solution to the key distribution problem, enabling a new way of provably secure communication, especially over long distances. The QKD design at OHB is based on polarization encoded quantum bits (Qubits). To ensure correct assignment of transmitted and received polarization via a polarization rotating channel, a high-performance synchronization is decisive.

Within this internship a synchronization algorithm shall be developed and integrated within a microcontroller environment.

A member of the listed technology group OHB SE, OHB System AG is one of the Top 3 European space companies. Around 2,300 employees work on some of the most important aviation and space programs of our times in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and Sweden. These include low-orbiting and geostationary satellites for earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, science, space exploration and quantum cryptography.

Your tasks will be:

  • Gain understanding of the fundamentals of Quantum Key Distribution in general and polarization encoded qubits in particular
  • Development of an algorithm for the detection of unwanted polarization rotations of light between a transmitter and receiver unit and their real-time compensation by means of selective control of polarization elements in an optical setup
  • Microcontroller-based implementation with Python or C/C++
  • Assessment, evaluation and optimization of the existing setup

Your skills are:

  • Student in physics, electrical engineering, quantum engineering, technical informatics or similar
  • Practical experience in microcontroller based programming, testing and debugging
  • Familiar with Python, C/C++ and LabView
  • Confident working in a lab-environment
  • High motivation, proactive working approach and strong sense of responsibility

Contact details

OHB System AG
Martin Hutterer
martin.hutterer(at)ohb.de
Manfred-Fuchs-Str. 1
82234 Weßling/Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

www.ohb-system.de