The Department of Defense, through DARPA, is seeking proposals for the Quantum Inspired Telescope Imaging for Space Situational Awareness (QUINTISSA) project, which aims to advance telescope imaging techniques by leveraging quantum-inspired methodologies to surpass traditional Rayleigh diffraction limits. Proposals must focus on developing super-resolution algorithms that account for various noise sources and outline comprehensive experimentation plans utilizing large telescopes, such as the Keck Telescope, to validate these methods under real-world conditions. This initiative is crucial for enhancing detection capabilities in both national defense and space exploration, particularly in detecting closely spaced astrophysical objects with low photon counts. Interested parties must submit their proposals by November 13, 2024, with the opportunity being part of a Direct to Phase II (DP2) SBIR program, and further details can be found at the provided source link.

## Description

Recent imaging techniques inspired by the mathematics of quantum information claim to enable imaging beyond the traditional Rayleigh resolution limit. This is an example of &ldquo;modal imaging&rdquo; and is just one recent example of a much broader group of techniques developed over many decades that attempt to efficiently extract information from multidimensional systems using non-Fourier measurement bases. The DARPA Investigating Adaptive Modal Bases for Intelligent Classification (IAMBIC) program funded work that developed a cohesive and general theoretical framework for adaptively varying measurement bases in response to initial measurement data, but only considered shot noise for sub-Rayleigh-resolution imaging (for example, [1] and [2]). As opposed to measuring intensity in a fixed Fourier basis, modal measurement schemes attempt to achieve a near-optimal estimation of any desired feature of a scene. They are valid even deep into the sub-Rayleigh regime (e.g., [3]), and retain higher Quantum Fisher Information (QFI) than traditional methods, but this has only been demonstrated for theoretical noise-free scenarios (e.g., [2]). Modal imaging, adaptive imaging, quantum information science, signal estimation or other analytical/numerical techniques to address the specific problem of achieving the quantum bound on resolution for telescopy are henceforth referred to as super-resolution techniques. With a combination of optical instrumentation deployed to large astronomical telescopes, and post-processing analysis, QUINTISSA aims to expand super-resolution work to real-world imaging scenarios, investigate whether such near-optimal quantum super-resolution methods present quantifiable advantages over traditional imaging, and if so, how much. If advantageous over conventional direct imaging methods in real-world (noisy) measurement scenarios, QUINTISSA super-resolution methods could unlock several revolutionary advantages over traditional direct detection methods: (1) fewer photons needed for detection through hypothesis testing, (2) quicker or low-photon environment object localization and parameter estimation, (3) shorter integration times, and/or (4) robustness across high dynamic ranges, relevant to dim exoplanet detection in the vicinity of bright stars, all while at sub-Rayleigh resolutions. The goal of QUINTISSA is to conduct a series of experiments to collect real-world noisy data on binary and closely spaced multi-star systems using large ground-based astronomical telescopes [4], analyze proposed super-resolution algorithmic methods with this data, compare them directly to the results from conventional direct imaging, and characterize any advantages or disadvantages. It is of interest to characterize the advantage in both detecting multiple objects inside the traditional Rayleigh limit, and tracking multiple objects inside the Rayleigh limit once detected. Therefore, proposals must include both: (1)&emsp;Super-resolution Algorithms and Modeling: An in-depth explanation of the modal imaging algorithmic method and modeling methods proposed, with relevant peer-reviewed publications. These methods will be used for hypothesis pre-registration and analysis of collected telescope data. Proposers must clearly outline a distinct advantage of their method over traditional direct imaging for an ideal (no noise) scenario. Pre-registration modeling development under QUINTISSA should include, at a minimum, the following noise sources: background luminosity, weak atmospheric turbulence, motion blur/telescope pointing errors, distended/extended sources with finite size (not point sources), and a high dynamic range between two and more sub-Rayleigh objects (minimum of four orders of visual magnitude). (2)&emsp;On-sky Large Telescope Experimentation: An in-depth experiment plan that outlines the deployment of instrumentation to gather relevant telescope data through multiple on-sky experiment campaigns. Through a partnership with NASA Astrophysics, access to the Keck Telescope (Mauna Kea, Hawaii) may be possible, and should be baselined with the use of closed-loop adaptive optics in proposals. Proposers must demonstrate teaming that combines both: The modeling section of QUINTISSA will determine if the proposed super-resolution method is suitable for real-world applications or requires modification prior to on-sky deployment. The on-sky experimentation section of QUINTISSA will validate simulation-derived quantitative advantages with a rapidly prototyped real-world telescope observation campaign, for a closely spaced exoplanet-exostar pair(s), to include multiple unresolved stars. This will both determine if the high spatio-temporal phase variations of atmospheric turbulence affect the ideal measurement modes in the shot-noise-limited regime of low photon number (low signal-to-noise ratio), and quantify what quantum advantage remains, if any.

## Objective

For astronomy and telescope imaging applications, conventional direct detection imaging measurements are limited by the &ldquo;Rayleigh diffraction criterion&rdquo;. However, this is not a physics limit: the Quantum Fisher Information (QFI) is the maximum theoretical information content that may be extracted from a scene at the quantum level. Recent work by DARPA under the Investigating Adaptive Modal Bases for Intelligent Classification (IAMBIC) program developed measurement strategies to approach the QFI, and showed that, for noise-free telescope imaging, a &ldquo;quantum advantage&rdquo; is attainable by adaptively varying measurement bases (&ldquo;modal imaging&rdquo;). However, it is yet undetermined how resilient these quantum-inspired modal imaging methods are to realistic and increasing non-idealities, and how much of the quantum advantage persists in a given noisy imaging scenario. QUINTISSA aims to develop and perform a series of proof-of-concept telescope experiments to (1) define the utility of quantum-inspired information extraction methods for low photon number imaging in the presence of real-world non-idealities and (2) determine performance for sub-diffraction object detection and localization (super-resolution) using astronomical objects. A successful proof of concept would have potentially revolutionary implications for both Space Situational Awareness and Exoplanet Direct Detection.

## Phase I

This is a Direct to Phase II (DP2) topic only. To demonstrate that Phase I feasibility has been met, proposers should demonstrate the following: &emsp;A designed set of super-resolution algorithms for noise-free or noisy techniques that directly show an advantage over traditional direct detection techniques in a low photon regime telescope imaging scenario, given =2 objects inside a sub-Rayleigh (&lt;0.5 x 0.5 Rayleigh length units) area; &emsp;At least one laboratory or bench test involving a hardware instantiation of the above that is ongoing or completed. This lab testing should demonstrate clear movement toward studying realistic sources representative of future on-sky collections. &emsp;Teaming composition that shows significant theoretical expertise and algorithm development in optimal or near-optimal super-resolution techniques capable of approaching the QFI, &emsp;Teaming composition that shows significant optical engineering and optical instrumentation expertise, and a clearly demonstrated ability to execute multiple astronomy data collection campaigns using large ground-based astronomical telescopes.

## Phase II

QUINTISSA is specifically aimed at experimental hardware and algorithm development to mature super-resolution algorithmic technology that can approach the QFI for real-world telescope-based applications, to Space Situational Awareness (DoD) and/or coronography/exoplanet detection (civil/NASA) applications. An on-sky telescope measurement campaign is planned and must use an existing telescope; integrating instrumentation hardware with existing observatories will be required. At least two on-sky observation campaigns using a telescope like the Keck Telescope must be conducted. The goals are to demonstrate the detection, localization, and orbit determination of multiple (=2) objects within a sub-Rayleigh (&lt;0.5 Rayleigh units) field of view. The proposed work should be geared toward clearly quantifying the &ldquo;quantum advantage&rdquo; of the proposed super-resolution technique over traditional imaging, OR, highlighting areas where further algorithm development is required to make these techniques advantageous for real-world on-sky telescope applications. Funds for purchasing telescope time are a permissible expense and should be budgeted. Funds for purchasing a new telescope are explicitly not permitted. Telescope experimentation approaches may leverage existing Adaptive Optics (AO) systems to mitigate atmospheric turbulence, while noting that experimentation will be focused on unresolved sub-Rayleigh targets. The Phase II effort consists of a Phase II base of 12 months and a Phase II option of 12 months. Phase II fixed payable milestones for this program should include the below. Proposers must elucidate a clear plan to complete an initial telescope measurement campaign by the 12-month mark. Faster implementation is highly encouraged.<ul><li>&emsp;Month 0: Kickoff at the proposer&rsquo;s location. </li><li>&emsp;Month 3: Initial simulations of noisy adaptive modal imaging. Updated implementation plan for super-resolution measurements using an existing telescope (telescope location to be finalized; proposals should assume the Keck telescope). Initial simulations of modal imaging with weak atmospheric turbulence. </li><li>&emsp;Month 6: Interim report on telescope instrumentation design and architecture, measurement campaign targets and requirements, updated noisy adaptive modal imaging simulations. Initial bench-level hardware demonstration. </li><li>&emsp;Month 12: First telescope measurement campaign complete; interim Phase II report with analysis of experimental results. Briefing for relevant stakeholders that contain results. </li><li>&emsp;(Option) Month 18: Second telescope measurement campaign complete. </li><li>&emsp;(Option) Month 24: Third telescope measurement campaign complete. Final Phase II report documenting results of all telescope measurement campaigns, code base for adaptive modal imaging or other super-resolution technique, and updated simulations that match experimental results.</li></ul>

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Further developing quantum-inspired modal imaging / super-resolution technology to be operable in a telescope application, while providing the performance needed for Closely Spaced Object detection, would attract interest from space-focused agencies within the Department of Defense to include tactical Space Domain Awareness squadrons within the US Space Force, as well as NASA and the astronomy community for exoplanet applications.

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The QUINTISSA project seeks to advance telescope imaging techniques for Space Situational Awareness and exoplanet detection by leveraging quantum-inspired methodologies. Standard imaging struggles with Rayleigh diffraction limits, but QUINTISSA aims to transition toward super-resolution techniques capable of surpassing these challenges using modal imaging. The project's objective includes validating these methods under real-world conditions, assessing their performance in detecting closely spaced astrophysical objects with low photon counts.

Proposals must focus on developing super-resolution algorithms considering various noise sources and outline comprehensive experimentation plans utilizing large telescopes like the Keck Telescope. The dual-phase approach includes a Phase I emphasis on laboratory demonstrations and the establishment of team expertise, while Phase II will involve on-sky campaigns to test the proposed imaging technologies. Successful outcomes may enhance detection capabilities in the fields of national defense and space exploration, making QUINTISSA a pivotal endeavor for the future of astronomical research and defense-related applications.

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