Manufacturing Technologies for Ryberg-based Atomic Sensors (MANTRAS)-SBIR XL

The DPA26BZ03-DV011 MANTRAS-SBIR XL program seeks to develop low-SWaP, ruggedized, and manufacturable platforms for real-time measurement and analysis of wideband RF signals using Rydberg-based atomic sensors. These emerging quantum technologies offer broad carrier band reception, high sensitivity, and passive operability. The objective is to overcome current challenges in developing low-SWaP photonic and optoelectronic systems, integrated optical frequency combs, and low-latency control systems that currently hinder the transition of Rydberg sensors from laboratory to deployable applications. The program aims to co-integrate Rydberg photonic systems with flexible, low-latency control architectures. Phase I requires proof-of-concept for Rydberg-based receivers and signal processing algorithms. Phase II involves developing a system-level design and a laboratory prototype of a fully integrated photonic/electronic control and signal processing system, targeting a form factor of <10L and power consumption of <50W, with environmental ruggedness for operational temperatures (-10 to 55 °C) and vibration noise (0.01 g2/Hz). Phase III anticipates dual-use applications in DoD sensing and PNT, as well as commercial markets such as communications and spectrum awareness.