Intensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration for Revolutionary Detectors (INSPIRED)
Funding Agency:
- Department of Defense
The principal objective of the Intensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration for Revolutionary Detectors (INSPIRED) program is the development of optoelectronic detector modules that integrate squeezed-light measurement techniques into form factors comparable to commercial
photodetector modules, thereby achieving sensitivity significantly beyond the quantum shot-noise
limit. Such “squeezed-light detectors” will be transformative in advancing squeezed-light quantum
measurement beyond laboratory environments as practical, general-purpose detector components
that can be employed in diverse optical systems. The superior sensitivity of squeezed-light
detectors is expected to provide decisive quantum advantages in wide-ranging application domains
such as active imaging; atomic sensing; navigation; microscopy; and communications.
Reaching this objective will likely entail broad innovation in materials, design, and fabrication in
order to realize chip-scale photonic devices and circuits that can efficiently prepare, manipulate,
and detect quantum states of light. Since such functions rely critically on ultra-low optical loss, an
especially challenging aspect of the program lies in achieving low aggregate loss in complex,
multi-component photonic circuits. Other challenges such as generating a high squeezing ratio
(SR) in size- and power-constrained photonic devices, maintaining stable optical phase, and
mitigating classical noise may also demand significant effort. Ultimately, producing photonic
integration platforms with such features will not only enable INSPIRED detectors to measure weak
signals with unprecedented sensitivity but will also have profound impact beyond the program in
optical approaches to quantum computing. Note that while DARPA is primarily interested in
program solutions that leverage integrated photonics, any approach that demonstrates a credible
path to satisfying all metrics and goals stated herein will be considered for selection.
Multiple awards are anticipated
December 13, 2023 at 4:00 PM
Dr. Justin Cohen, Program Manager
BAA Coordinator: HR001123S0052@darpa.mil
DARPA/MTO
ATTN: HR001123S0052
675 North Randolph Street
Arlington, VA 22203-2114