#United States #Cambridge #DARPA #RTX BBN #photonic sensors

DARPA Collaborates with RTX for Advanced Photonic Sensors

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has partnered with RTX's BBN Technologies to develop the next generation of photonic sensors. These compact, low-power devices are designed to provide substantial improvements in the precision and versatility of environmental awareness for both defense and commercial applications.

A New Era in Sensing Technology

The new photonic sensors are set to exceed the performance of current technologies by more than tenfold, ushering in a revolution in various fields such as LiDAR, biosensing, and system monitoring. With DARPA's Intensity Squeezed Photonic Integration with Revolutionary Detection (INSPIRED) program at its core, BBN Technologies aims to deliver a prototype chip that harnesses quantum states of squeezed light. This innovative approach will allow the team to achieve unbeatable sensitivity levels necessary for various applications.

Dr. Mo Soltani, the principal investigator at BBN on this ambitious project, explained that traditional sensors are often hampered by a phenomenon known as shot noise, which limits the potential of light as a detection tool. Shot noise occurs due to the inherent randomness in photon counting, making it a significant obstacle for measurement accuracy.

Utilizing Quantum Mechanics for Enhanced Precision

The upcoming photonic chip tackles shot noise by employing state-of-the-art quantum mechanics to refine the light it emits. By 'squeezing' the light source, certain quantum fluctuations can be suppressed while enhancing others. This technique enables the extraction of information embedded in specific properties of the light, enhancing measurement precision significantly. Dr. Michael Grace, a quantum information scientist at BBN, articulated how this innovative approach enables sensors to surpass traditional limitations:

"Our device minimizes noise by focusing on light's unique properties, allowing for more precise environmental measurements."

This technology's effectiveness has been demonstrated in extensive laboratory experiments that utilized squeezed light to enhance photon measurement precision. The BBN team will leverage its extensive expertise in photonic integrated circuits to ensure the silicon chip functionality scales down to a practical level for field operations. The final specification targets a detection range between 100 MHz and 10 GHz, thus widening the horizons for multiple applicable fields.

A Collaborative Approach

BBN Technologies will integrate efforts from distinguished experts in quantum and photonic fields, including renowned institutions and companies like Xanadu Quantum and the University of Maryland. Their experience in quantum sensor design, detection protocol testing, and rapid prototype development is set to accelerate the innovation timeline.

Dr. Soltani adds further value to the expected outcomes, emphasizing that improving sensor performance can drastically empower various sectors, from surveying landscapes to enhancing autonomous navigation systems. Consequently, the incorporation of advanced sensing technology translates to more reliable and informed decision-making processes.

Project Scope

The multi-faceted project will take place across multiple locations, including Cambridge, Massachusetts; San Diego, California; College Park, Maryland; and Toronto, Canada, showcasing a robust collaboration across borders and disciplines within the realm of sensor and quantum technologies.

Conclusion

As BBN Technologies continues to innovate and translate advanced quantum research into practical solutions for real-world applications, the partnership with DARPA signifies a pivotal leap toward redefining sensor technology. This evolution not only aims to meet immediate needs but also prepares for future advancements where precision and efficacy are paramount against the backdrop of evolving technology landscapes. With more than 185,000 employees globally, RTX remains at the forefront of technological innovation and national security priorities, as demonstrated by this significant initiative with BBN Technologies.