Optical Frequency Synthesizer for Quantum Applications

Vescent Technologies (Vescent) proposes to develop a compact, low-power, ruggedized, and fully automated optical frequency comb (OFC) operating in the visible/near-infrared spectrum (400-1000 nm) to enable space-deployed optical clocks and Rydberg-atom based quantum sensors. The proposed solution will simultaneously meet the challenging performance requirements and the low size, weight, and power (SWaP) required to enable several of the space-deployed applications described in Focus Area S16.08. For example, optical atomic clocks can offer instabilities as low as 4.8x10-17 in a second, opening myriad possibilities for precision sensors, including relativistic geodesy, autonomous spacecraft navigation, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), and space-based gravitational wave detection. Likewise, Rydberg-atom based quantum sensors offer similarly dramatic improvements over their classical counterparts for electric-field and microwave measurements. However, all the key optical clock platforms (e.g., based on Sr and Yb atoms/ions) and Rydberg-atom based quantum sensors can only operate reliably in laboratory environments. This is largely due to their reliance on the environmentally susceptible, high-SWaP infrastructure required to frequency stabilize multiple lasers across the visible/near-infrared spectrum. As an alternative, our proposed solution leverages the OFCs broad spectral range and precise mode spacing to perform frequency stabilization of all relevant quantum state-preparation lasers simultaneously to the OFC itself, thereby significantly reducing both SWaP and complexity of the optical clock or quantum sensor. However, there is a clear and critical gap in field-deployable, low-SWaP, OFCs operating at relevant visible wavelengths. Our proposed solution exploits rugged nonlinear micro-optic modules in telecom-style packaging to synthesize arbitrary visible wavelengths from Vescents existing radiation-hardened, environmentally robust OFC. Vescent Technologies (Vescent) proposes to develop a compact, low-power, ruggedized, and fully automated optical frequency comb (OFC) that operates at any selectable wavelength across the visible and near-infrared NIR spectrum (400-1000 nm) and is constructed from telecommunications (telecom) components. The proposed system will meet the challenging performance requirements for space-deployed optical clocks and Rydberg-atom based quantum sensors while maintaining a low size, weight, and power (SWaP) to meet several of the critical needs described in Focus Area S16.08: Atomic Quantum Sensor and Clocks. OFCs are ideal tools for frequency stabilizing multiple lasers simultaneously, but there is a clear and critical gap in field-deployable, low-SWaP, OFCs spanning the visible spectrum. Our proposed solution exploits rugged nonlinear micro-optic modules in telecom-style packaging to synthesize arbitrary visible frequencies from the NIR output of Vescent’s existing radiation-hardened, environmentally robust OFC. Technical Objective 1: Design an automated optical frequency synthesizer for space-deployed optical clocks and quantum sensors: Vescent will develop and prototype a remotely automated OFS operating at any selectable wavelength from 400 nm to 2000 nm for space-deployed quantum sensors and optical atomic clocks. Deliverable(s): The non-proprietary fiber-optic layout and micro-optic designs, as well as the high-level system architecture for the final prototype deliverable will be included in the final report   Technical Objective 2:  Perform hardware and software integration of Vescent’s low-SWaP FPGA with OFC, including algorithm development for automated comb stabilization.  Technical Objective 3:  Build and deliver a prototype visible optical frequency synthesizer capable of being integrated into a Sr+ ion clock. Deliverable(s): An automated, remotely operable OFC with visible comb extensions operating at 674 nm (Sr+ clock laser), 843 nm (Sr+ cooling laser), and 461 nm (Sr ionization laser). A user manual and test reports will be included along with the delivery. Technical Objective 4:  Environmental testing of the key subsystems to provide a baseline for, and show pathway toward, flight qualification. Deliverable(s): Results of the environmental testing and conclusions/next steps will be included in the final report.  

This proposed visible frequency comb platform addresses NASA’s research topic area S16.08 Atomic Quantum Sensors and Clocks – Critical technology gaps related to: (1) optical atomic clocks for measurements of gravitational field variations, time-variations of physical constants, detection of dark matter, etc. and (2) Rydberg atom quantum sensors for ultra-broadband, ultra-sensitive microwave receivers for earth observation sciences. The proposed technology is relevant to the following missions: DSAC, CLPS, ISS, and Artemis. Non-NASA applications that would benefit from a low-SWaP visible frequency comb include: optical atomic clocks for navigation in GPS-denied environments, time and frequency transfer, ultra-low phase noise microwave generation for 5G-and-beyond wireless communications and radar sensing, dual-comb and precision spectroscopy, and geodetic sensing for earthquake monitoring and construction projects. 

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.

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.