Large Étendue, High Spectral Resolution Asymmetric Spatial Heterodyne Interferometer for Quantum and Dual-Use Remote Sensing Applications

This Navy SBIR solicitation seeks proposals to design and build a large étendue, high spectral resolution Asymmetric Spatial Heterodyne (ASH) interferometer. Conventional spectrometers face a trade-off between throughput (étendue) and spectral resolution, which limits performance in quantum communication, quantum-enhanced LiDAR, and dual-use remote sensing. The field-widened, static ASH architecture overcomes this limitation by utilizing the Jacquinot throughput advantage and heterodyne detection without moving parts. The required instrument must achieve a minimum étendue of 0.1 cm² sr and a spectral resolving power (R) greater than 10^5. It must operate at wavelengths between 400 nm and 1600 nm, targeting lines relevant to quantum systems (e.g., 780 nm, 1550 nm) or remote sensing (e.g., 486 nm). Phase I proposals (accepting Direct to Phase II) must demonstrate prior relevant spectrometer capability and deliver a detailed instrument design. Phase II requires fabricating a laboratory-validated prototype under 10 liters in volume that demonstrates Doppler velocity sensitivity of 1–5 m/s. Phase III applications span satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution (QKD) daylight operations, spaceborne wind profiling, and advanced quantum sensing platforms for defense and commercial sectors.