Faraday optical isolator on a photonic integrated laser circuit

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a Faraday optical isolator integrated on a photonic laser circuit. The objective is to create a fully integrated optical isolator that achieves greater than 25 dB of isolation and less than 2 dB of insertion loss, addressing the current limitations of off-chip solutions that complicate packaging and reduce efficiency in laser systems. This technology is crucial for applications in quantum technology, telecommunications, and directed energy systems. The Phase I funding amount is capped at $314,363 for a 12-month period, while Phase II funding can reach up to $2,095,000 over 24 months. Proposals are due by July 23, 2025, with the opportunity opening on June 25, 2025. For more information, interested parties can visit the DOD SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.