VESCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC. — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: AF21A-TCSO1

Description

Vescent Photonics LLC (Vescent), in collaboration with Prof. Michael Chini at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Physics Department, propose to develop a low- size, weight, and power (SWaP), field-deployable visible fiber frequency comb adapted from robust Erbium fiber (Er:fiber) and telecommunications technology. Optical frequency combs spanning the entire visible spectrum (380-750 nm) are an essential tool to enable the widespread field deployment of critical quantum technologies for next-generation positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). These technologies require the accurate referencing of quantum transitions on disparate ends of the visible spectrum and current state-of-the-art systems rely on bulky optical set-ups (~75 L) that prohibit widespread field deployment of these technologies.  Optical frequency combs provide a convenient method to accurately reference numerous quantum transitions at a greatly reduced SWaP (<10 L) and complexity.  However, portable frequency comb systems rely on Er:fiber technology in the near infrared telecommunications band that require nonlinear conversion into the visible spectrum.  Vescent, in partnership with UCF, proposes to develop a low-SWaP (<20 L, <50 W), few-cycle, nonlinear photonics system to up-convert the near-infrared frequency comb with continuous spectral coverage spanning and surpassing the visible spectrum (350-900 nm).  Such technology will permit the widespread field deployment of assured, quantum PNT technology in GPS-denied environments.