Aluminum Scandium Nitride and Aluminum Scandium Nitride/Gallium Nitride Epitaxial Technology for RF Devices
ID: AF254-D0810Type: Phase II
Overview

Topic

Aluminum Scandium Nitride and Aluminum Scandium Nitride/Gallium Nitride Epitaxial Technology for RF Devices

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: Phase II

Topic Link

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Additional Information

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for the development of aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) and aluminum scandium nitride/gallium nitride (AlScN/GaN) epitaxial technology aimed at enhancing next-generation radio frequency (RF) devices. The objective is to establish a growth system and process capable of producing high-quality AlScN layers with a scandium concentration greater than 18%, which is essential for advancing RF transistor technology that meets the demands of future radar and communication systems. This initiative is critical for achieving improved spectral dominance, range, and efficiency in military applications. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is currently in pre-release, with the open date set for May 28, 2025, and the application due date on June 25, 2025. For more information, please visit the official source link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    PDF.html
    Similar Opportunities
    Multi-channel amplification on chip for scalable quantum & DE applications -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a multi-channel amplification system on a photonic integrated circuit for scalable quantum and directed energy applications. The objective is to create an on-chip coherent optical amplifier capable of generating eight independent laser beams, each with a gain of 20 dB and a noise figure of less than 5 dB, while maintaining phase coherence with a common seed laser. This technology is crucial for various applications, including quantum computing, multi-beam Lidar, and telecommunications, with potential for dual-use in directed energy systems. Interested parties should note that the Phase II funding amount is capped at $2,095,000 for a 27-month performance period, with proposals due by July 23, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    VCSELs for Quantum Sensors -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development and qualification of application-specific vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) designed for use in quantum sensors and clocks (qVCSELs). The objective is to create qVCSELs that meet stringent performance requirements for various applications, including atomic magnetometers and clocks, which are critical for position, navigation, timing, and other defense operations. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of chip-scale quantum sensors, which have become increasingly vital in military and potential medical applications. Interested parties must submit their proposals by July 23, 2025, with a maximum funding amount of $2,095,000 for a 30-month performance period. For more details, visit the solicitation page at SBIR.gov.
    Multi-channel amplification on chip for scalable quantum & DE applications -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a multi-channel coherent optical amplifier on a photonic integrated circuit, aimed at applications in quantum science and directed energy. The objective is to create a scalable system capable of generating eight coherent laser beams from a common seed laser, with specific performance criteria including a gain of 20 dB and a noise figure of less than 5 dB, while allowing for independent frequency control. This technology is critical for advancing quantum computing, quantum sensing, and directed energy systems, with potential commercial applications in multi-beam Lidar and telecommunications. Interested parties must submit their proposals by July 23, 2025, with a maximum funding amount of $2,095,000 for Phase II, which includes a 27-month performance period. For more details, visit the solicitation link at https://www.sbir.gov/topics/12170.
    Photonic Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers (PCSEL) for Advanced Laser Systems -
    DOD
    The U.S. Army is seeking proposals for the development of Photonic Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers (PCSEL) to enhance its laser systems, particularly for applications in night operations and precision targeting. The objective is to design and optimize near-diffraction limited, near-infrared PCSEL laser diode arrays that can replace existing edge emitter laser diodes, providing improved beam quality and efficiency while being more compact and cost-effective. These advanced lasers are crucial for various military applications, including solid-state laser pumping and direct illumination, with a focus on achieving significant improvements in performance metrics. Interested parties can submit Phase I proposals with a funding limit of $250,000, due by August 20, 2025, following the release of the solicitation on July 23, 2025. For more information, visit the official source link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Integrated low noise laser for Barium ion qubits -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense is seeking proposals for the development of an integrated low noise laser specifically designed for barium ion qubits, which are crucial for advancements in quantum computing and atomic clock technology. The objective is to create a scalable laser system that delivers 100 mW output power with less than -140 dB/Hz random intensity noise and a linewidth of less than 100 Hz, incorporating necessary control mechanisms for frequency tuning. This innovative laser technology is expected to have dual-use applications in both public and private sectors, including medical and high-energy laser fields due to its lower impact on human tissue. Interested parties should note that the Phase II base funding amount is capped at $2,095,000 for a performance period of 27 months, with proposals due by July 23, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    VCSELs for Quantum Sensors -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of application-specific vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) optimized for quantum sensors and clocks, referred to as qVCSELs. The objective is to create and qualify these specialized VCSELs to enhance the performance of quantum sensors used in critical military applications, including position, navigation, timing, and intelligence operations. The program is structured in two phases, with Phase II allowing for a budget of up to $2,095,000 over a 30-month period, and key deadlines include a proposal submission due date of July 23, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD's SBIR website.
    Integrated low noise laser for Barium ion qubits -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense is seeking proposals for the development of an integrated low noise laser specifically designed for barium ion qubits, a critical component in advancing quantum computing and atomic clock technologies. The objective is to create a scalable laser system capable of producing 100 mW output power with less than -140 dB/Hz random intensity noise and a linewidth of less than 100 Hz, utilizing commercially accessible fabrication facilities. This innovative laser technology is expected to have significant applications not only in quantum computing and atomic clocks but also in medical and high-energy laser fields due to its lower impact on human tissue. Interested parties must submit their proposals by July 23, 2025, with a maximum funding amount of $2,095,000 for Phase II of the project, which spans a 27-month performance period. For more details, visit the solicitation page at SBIR.gov.
    Photonic Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers (PCSEL) for Advanced Laser Systems -
    DOD
    The U.S. Army is seeking proposals for the development of Photonic Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers (PCSEL) to enhance its advanced laser systems. The objective is to create near-diffraction limited, near-infrared PCSEL laser diode arrays that can be utilized in various applications, including solid-state laser pumping and direct illumination, while improving beam quality and reducing costs compared to existing technologies. These lasers are crucial for the Army's operations, particularly in night missions where high-quality laser sources are essential for target marking and precision fires. Interested parties can submit Phase I proposals with a funding limit of $250,000, due by August 20, 2025, with the opportunity opening on July 23, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Mode-Locked Lasers on Chip toward Frequency Combs and Quantum Applications -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a mode-locked laser on chip, aimed at advancing optical frequency combs and quantum applications. The objective is to create a compact, robust laser system that integrates the advantages of fiber lasers with the miniaturization benefits of photonics integrated circuits (PICs), ultimately leading to a fully stabilized optical frequency comb suitable for atomic clock frequency division and quantum technology. This initiative is critical for enhancing the capabilities of optical atomic clocks and quantum sensors, with potential applications in various fields including optical communications and directed energy. Interested parties should note that 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, with proposals due by July 23, 2025. For more information, visit the DOD SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Faraday optical isolator on a photonic integrated laser circuit -
    DOD
    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/.