Xairos Systems, Inc. — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: H9

Description

Quantum clock synchronization (QCS) uses quantum communications to accurately and securely transfer time over long distances. Using this new technology with SQTrsquo;s heritage entangled photon sources, time transfer over long distances is possible within picosecond level accuracy. And because QCS utilizes the inherent security with entangled photons, this time transfer signal cannot be spoofed. Using QCS, time transfer can occur between any two objects that have a clear spatial link. One application: increased clock accuracy for satellites outside the LEO orbit that cannot receive GPS timing signals (ref. subtopic Z8.02). Another application: secure and unspoofable time transfer for satellites, aircraft and ground stations in a GPS-denied environment (ref. subtopics S1.02 and A2.02). Speqtral Quantum Technologies, Inc. (SQT) is proposing a Phase I study of the QCS design that could eventually be turned into a demonstration mission using SQTrsquo;s heritage entangled photon sources. The current design of this source was demonstrated on the SpooQy-1 3U cubesat last year, making SQT the only company outside of China with space heritage.