Topic

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Quantum Science (including Encryption & Computing); Directed Energy The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a multi-channel coherent optical amplifier on a photonic integrated circuit DESCRIPTION: Quantum computers, certain arrayed quantum sensors, and directed energy laser weapons all share a common need for scalable laser amplification to support multiple laser beams. In the case of quantum computers, optically active qubits require up to one mW per qubit and needs millions if not eventually billions of qubits which translates into kW to MW of optical power separated into many parallel beams[1]. In the case of quantum sensors, atom interferometers, Rydberg sensors, and some magnetometers, a laser system that can generate of order 100 mW each for 4 to 10 laser beams would significantly reduce systems complexity, size, and cost. Finally, for directed energy lasers, a significant scaling parameter is the number of parallel amplified channels, typically greater than 10, that can be made within cost and size constraints [2]. In this topic, proposers should generate a size and manufacturing efficient (scalable) approach to generate 8 laser beams that are coherent with each other from a common seed laser. Each channel shall have a noise figure of less than 5 dB and gain of 20 dB The system should allow for each channel to be independent frequency controlled within 10 GHz from a common seed laser. In this topic “on-chip” means that the light is contained in guided modes in a planar fabricated structure allowing for hybrid or heterogenous integration of multiple chips as needed. The operating wavelength can be at any particular wavelength between 1600 and 500 nm, however, a convincing case should be made that the underlying design concept is extendable to cover other select wavelengths over that range. PHASE I: In order to qualify for this direct to Phase 2 SBIR, the performer must have a demonstrated capability to fabricate optical amplifiers on chip with exp data supporting the goals of this topic (Gain, size, and noise figure). Additionally, the proposer should have a design for extending a single amplifier to the multi-channel amplifier in this topic. PHASE II: Build and demonstrate the 8-channel amplifier on-chip prototype described above1. 20 dB gain for each channel, <5 dB noise figure, phase coherent with an input seed laser, all on chip, with fiber outputs for each channel and inputs for seed laser. The packaged multichannel amp should be 100 cubic centimeters and operate at a select wavelength between 1600 and 500 nm. The proposed design should be convincingly scalable to 64 channels, though not demonstrated in this SBIR. The amplifier should be manufacturable by fabrication facilities that can support the commercialization of the amplifier. Phase II Base amount must not exceed $2,095,000 for a 27-month period of performance PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This device is expected to commercially viable immediately after phase II for multiple applications in the private sector such as multi-beam Lidar, and telecommunications, It is envisioned that a second iteration could make purpose built variants of this amplifier for Directed Energy and multiple quantum applications including quantum computing and sensing which are also dual use. REFERENCES: Kaufman, Adam M. “Quantum science using optical tweezer arrays of ultracold atoms and molecules”, Nature Physics 17 1324 (2021) Theeg, Thomas, “Rugged and compact beam combiner for spectral and coherent beam combining for HEL systems” Proceedings Vol. PC13201 SPIE Security and Defense (2024) KEYWORDS: Quantum, laser, directed energy, photonics.