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Quantum Frequency Converter (QFC)
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Description
To develop a quantum frequency converter to interconnect microwave and optical qubits while preserving quantum states
Benefits
Superconducting microwave qubits are the most widely used implementation of quantum computation – but networking over long distances is challenging due to thermal noise and attenuation. Transmission of quantum states over optical channels can be done over long distances without such degradations. Bidirectional optical/microwave quantum conversion is required to interface microwave quantum processors with optical transmission systems
Details
| Technology area | Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems |
| Program | Agency Independent Research and Development (A-IRAD) |
| Lead organization | Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH |
| Start date | 2026-10-01 |
| End date | 2027-09-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
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.