1.2 - Statement of Requirements
The proposed instrument is a scintillometry for practical quantum communication scintillometer. The goal of this project is to establish the necessary infrastructure for a quantum network across the city of Ottawa in order to develop and test novel quantum communication schemes in an environment beyond the laboratory scale. A crucial part to integrate into this infrastructure is the ability to characterize and compensate for the erroneous effects of atmospheric turbulence on transmitted information encoded on optical beams. A fast-adaptive optics system has already been acquired in order to compensate for turbulence; however, two scintillometers are required in order to continuously characterize the turbulence. One scintillometer will be integrated into an existing 5.4 km free-space link, while a second will be used to diagnose and probe shorter links to create a three-node network.
General Description:
A single scintillometer system consists of two units (sender and detector) that together are capable of measuring the atmospheric turbulence strength. One unit is placed at either end of a free-space channel. The sender emits light across the channel, which is then measured by the detector unit. By measuring intensity fluctuations of the transmitted light, i.e. the scintillation; the turbulence strength can then be calculated from the statistical variations. This parameter is a key diagnostic tool for the feasibility, determined in real-time, of secure quantum communication.
The Appendix A specifications contained in this RFP are the mandatory minimum requirements for the scintillometers
1. Scintillometer Specifications
The Scintillometer must have the following parameters:
1.1. Must have an emitter unit that emits light across the link
1.2. Must have detector unit which measures the intensity fluctuations of the emitted light
1.3. Must be able to actively measure the atmospheric turbulence strength
1.4. Must have a large aperture capable of measuring the atmospheric turbulence strength over free-space distances up to 6 km
1.5. It must include a signal processing unit
1.6. It must include all the necessary components (user friendly cables, casing, connectors, etc) for simple data acquisition using a laptop
1.7. It must have a weatherproof housing, and possibility of working under any weather condition
1.8. Must have a user friendly, not requiring any extra programing or prior knowledge, software to operate the system
1.9. Must be able to detect s turbulence in the desired optical path (100 - 6000 m)
1.10. Must not require tight alignment condition
1.11. Operating temperature must be -35°C - 40 °C 2.
2. Operations and Maintenance
2.1. Must include one (1) year warranty on parts and labour
3. Utilities
3.1. The entire system and its components must be compatible with standard Canadian power distribution
3.2. Required manuals and data sheets along with reasonable response from the manufacturer to ensure the smooth onboarding on how to utilize this instrument.
3.3. All electrical components must have CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification or accepted equivalent as per Electrical Safety Authority Recognized Certification Mark at the following link: https://www.esasafe.com/electricalproducts/marks. Otherwise the cost of inspection and certification is to be assumed by Proponent
