SHIPS: Scalable Heterogeneous Integration for Photon-entanglement Sources

This proposal focuses on advancing heterogeneous integration of AlGaAsOI materials with silicon photonics to enable high-performance quantum photonic integrated circuits (QPICs). The primary objective is to develop a scalable, foundry-compatible platform that leverages the strong optical nonlinearity of AlGaAsOI integrated on silicon photonics for high brightness and high entangled-photon pair generation rate, and adding nonlinear optical functions to the PDK for QPICs. Key innovations include wafer-scale bonding of AlGaAsOI micro-rings with silicon photonics and an advanced bonded selective regrowth process for monolithic integration of quantum dot pumps onto the AlGaAsOI material platform. Funding will support the development of epitaxy and material characterization, device design, simulations and modelling, layout and fabrication, and micro-ring resonator quality factor as well as on-chip entangled-photon generation measurements to establish a robust pathway toward a scalable platform. The proposed technology aligns with NASA’s long-term vision for quantum-enabled space communication, high-precision remote sensing, and scalable LiDAR systems by providing scalable, energy-efficient, low CSWaP quantum light sources. Target markets include government and commercial sectors focused on quantum photonic integration for secure communications & computing, autonomous navigation & LiDAR for aerospace and planetary exploration, and commercial quantum photonic processors & AI computing.

1. Quantum Communications & Secure Space Networks • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for Secure Satellite Communications a. NASA is exploring space-based QKD to enable ultra-secure encryption for deep-space and Earth-based communications. b. High-efficiency, on-chip AlGaAsOI entangled photon pair sources will support scalable and energy-efficient quantum communication systems in space. • Aerospace Optical Communications (AOC) & Inter-Satellite Links a. Future deep-space missions require high-speed, low-power optical communication. b. Proposed QPICs provide highly efficient nonlinear optical processing for frequency conversion, wavelength routing, and coherent optical links. 2. Space-Based LiDAR for Remote Sensing & Planetary Exploration • High-Resolution LiDAR for Lunar & Mars Exploration a. NASA’s Artemis and Mars Sample Return missions require advanced LiDAR for terrain mapping, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous navigation. b. This integrated quantum photonics platform enables ultra-sensitive LiDAR with improved range and resolution while reducing CSWaP. • Earth Science & Climate Monitoring a. NASA relies on high-precision LiDAR for atmospheric sensing, ice monitoring, and geometric mapping. b. The proposed AlGaAsOI nonlinear photonic platform provides low-loss, high-efficiency optical sources to improve data accuracy. 3. Optical Frequency Conversion for Spectroscopy & Sensing • On-Chip Frequency Generation for Spectroscopy a. AlGaAsOI micro resonators and arrays support tunable, chip-scale frequency conversion for compact and robust spectrometers. • Nonlinear Photonics for Advanced Sensing a. The scalable nonlinear III-V materials and devices enhance chip-based spectroscopy and environmental sensing in deep-space missions. The heterogeneous integration of AlGaAsOI on silicon photonics technology proposed in this program is poised to disrupt multiple billion-dollar industries, including: • Quantum communications & cybersecurity (telecom and cloud service, financial security, defense) • Autonomous vehicles & smart infrastructure (automotive LiDAR industry, smart infrastructure and drones) • Energy-efficient AI-driven photonic computing & high performance computing (data centers, AI model training, quantum processors) • Biomedical & environmental sensing (precision spectroscopy, diagnostics, gas sensing) • Aerospace & defense contractors (secure communications, surveillance, imaging)

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.