Tunable, Integrated Electro-optic Frequency Comb for Space-based Communications and Precision, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Applications
ID: AF23C-T002Type: Phase I
Overview

Topic

Tunable, Integrated Electro-optic Frequency Comb for Space-based Communications and Precision, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Applications

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: STTRPhase: Phase IYear: 2023

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2448105

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Aug 23, 2023 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open Sep 20, 2023 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Oct 18, 2023 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Oct 18, 2023 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, specifically for Phase I of the STTR program. The topic of the solicitation is "Tunable, Integrated Electro-optic Frequency Comb for Space-based Communications and Precision, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Applications".

The objective of this research is to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a photonically integrated electro-optic modulator capable of generating an optical frequency comb with 1-10 GHz spacing in the 1540-1560 nm band. Optical frequency combs have a wide range of applications in spectroscopy, communications, and PNT. The use of photonically integrated electro-optic modulators offers the potential for robust, chip-scale, and mobile deployment of comb technologies.

The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I involves developing a platform fabrication and integration plan, along with preliminary results. Phase II includes the fabrication and testing of prototype integrated modulator devices, demonstrating tunability, low voltage requirements, low waveguide coupling losses, polarization maintaining fiber-coupled interconnects, and high optical power handling. At the completion of Phase II, four prototype devices will be delivered to government laboratories for characterization and integration with space-focused technology demonstrators.

The anticipated applications of this technology span the scientific, commercial, and defense domains. Integrated optical frequency comb technology has the potential to revolutionize various applications, including communications, by offering improved robustness, efficiency, and control. The project also aims to develop foundry-level fabrication and robust packaging techniques for large-scale production.

The solicitation is currently closed, with a release date of August 23, 2023, an open date of September 20, 2023, and a close date of October 18, 2023. The project falls under the Air Force branch of the Department of Defense. More information can be found on the grants.gov website (https://www.sbir.gov/node/2448105) and the Defense SBIR/STTR website (https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/).

Files
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