High-speed nanophotonic spatial light modulators

This Department of the Air Force SBIR/STTR solicitation (OSW26BZ04-DV012) seeks proposals to develop a nanophotonic-enabled spatial light modulator (SLM) array. The objective is to achieve amplitude and phase modulation speeds greater than 1 Gbps, which is over ten times faster than current commercial technologies like liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). Such advancements will benefit high-speed applications in LiDAR, free-space laser communications, quantum sensing, and imaging. As a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made. Applicants must submit feasibility documentation demonstrating existing capabilities in numerical simulations, predictive calculations, and electrical/optical characterization of similar device technology. During Phase II, the selected contractor must demonstrate the platform technology across two primary use cases: near-infrared (NIR) SLMs for classical and quantum sensing, and midwave infrared (MWIR) SLMs for classical and quantum imaging. The performer is required to deliver, install, and demonstrate a fully integrated prototype system—including all custom hardware, software, source code, and at least five devices—at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) three months before the Phase II period ends. Phase III will focus on transitioning the technology into operational defense systems in partnership with defense contractors and commercializing it for dual-use markets using non-SBIR/STTR funding. The project requires a Level 1 Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).