Optical Free-Space Communication on Earth and in Space Regarding Quantum Cryptography Aspects

Mobile FSO Communication links have gained significant attention over the last years due to their increasing maturity. They are used in point to point link scenarios where the high gain in power efficiency and datarate is crucial, compared to state-of-the-art RF links. The Optical Communication Group of German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Communication and Navigation is conducting research and practical investigations of mobile optical high-speed communication links between diverse platforms, e.g. optical links from aircrafts, UAVs or Satellites to Ground. This paper will give an overview on the current and future work of the Optical Communication Group in this field, with additional regard to quantum communications.