Miniaturization, Modulation, and Chip Scaling of Photonic Technologies

This Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) solicitation seeks proposals to advance and adopt chip-scale photonic and quantum technologies for integration into the Missile Defense System. The primary objective is to enhance the resilience, speed, and effectiveness of current radar and communication systems, specifically prioritizing low size, weight, and power (SWaP) transceivers compatible with software-defined radios (SDRs) and modern sensors. Because the technology is restricted under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), strict foreign national restrictions apply. The project is structured in three phases: - Phase I focuses on evaluating challenges regarding scalability, manufacturability, laser SWaP, and miniaturization. Deliverables include a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 development roadmap and a prototype testing plan. - Phase II requires executing the development plan, culminating in real-world environmental testing within a system-level testbed and establishing transition pathways with integration partners. - Phase III aims for dual-use commercialization and defense deployment, verifying all technical parameters on airborne or space-based low-SWAP platforms. The projected Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirement for this topic is Level 1. Technical Points of Contact are Brandon Becker and Torrey Bettis.