Visible light phase and amplitude modulators for quantum sensors and clocks

This SBIR program will lead to the development of key photonic components for use in high performance quantum sensors and clocks. AdvR proposes to develop ultra high-performance phase and amplitude modulators for use at visible and ultra-violet wavelengths. The proposed innovation utilizes high performance, damage resistant optical waveguides with high speed traveling wave electrodes to provide integrated functionality. These components are expected to be used in a variety of NASA and non-NASA applications including cold atom and trapped ion systems for precision sensing, timing, and computing. Visible wavelength phase and amplitude modulation is critical for many emerging quantum-based sensing and timing applications. This includes broad applications ranging from locking a laser to an atomic absorption line for a precision clock application, to ion trapping for quantum computing applications, to Rydberg sensors for broadband RF sensing; each of these systems needs spectrally formatted light sources. This program aims to develop very high performance phase and amplitude modulators for these visible/UV applications based on low loss, high power handling optical waveguides. Objectives: Implement an optimized design and packaging solution for high performance phase and amplitude modulators. Demonstrate high power, long term operation at visible and UV wavelengths. Develop additional functionality of reverse proton exchanged MgO:LN waveguides for low SWaP atomic and ionic systems. Proposed Deliverables: Contractually required periodic reporting. Engineering samples to the NASA technical monitor, as requested.

Quantum Computing Quantum Communications Quantum Networking Ion Traps Atomic Interferometry Optical Clocks Environmental Monitoring Random Number Generation Secure Communications Quantum Computing Precision Spectroscopy Environmental Monitoring

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.