Spectroscopy-grade lasers and PICs operating around 674 nm

We propose to expand Nexus proprietary heterogeneous SiN based platform to include spectroscopy-grade lasers and PICs operating around Sr relevant wavelengthin a wafer-scale process. Atomic Quantum Sensor and Clocks require high-performance (spectroscopy-grade) lasers and optical components for SWaP-C improvement and deployment in small space platforms and other similar uses. Nexus heterogeneous SiN platform enables high-performance photonic integrated circuits that can address NASA needs, including the challenging requirements for Sr-based systems, but also scale to other commercial areas lowering the cost to deploy. The key goal of Phase II proposal is to develop prototypes of spectroscopy grade (Hz-level) 674 nm semiconductor lasers that are self-injection locked to high-Q resonators leveraging Nexus prior work in developing visible lasers. Phase II builds on top of successful Phase I to manufacture prototypes of such lasers and PICs that can be provided to NASA, research institutions and our partners as early prototypes before proceeding with commercialization efforts leveraging Nexus supply chain that is being developed in parallel efforts.

Advanced heterogeneous integration enables maximum improvement in size, weight, and power (SWaP) and cost reduction while improving the performance of science instruments, subsystems, and components utilizing visible optical sources. PIC technologies are particularly critical for enabling small spacecraft platforms, rovers, and wearable/handheld technology for astronauts as complex photonic functionality can be integrated into a chip. The proposed platform is applicable to multiple market verticals including augmented reality/virtual reality, healthcare, and sensing enabling us to leverage all these markets to push for commercialization while supporting NASA programmatic needs

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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