PHASE SENSITIVE INNOVATIONS INC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 32d

Description

High quantum efficiency photodetectors are a critical component of quantum squeezed state systems. Providing optical-to-microwave transduction fidelity allows these systems to significantly improve upon the noise performance of traditionally shot noise limited photonic links and sensors. However, as quantum information science is still a small, but rapidly growing field, there is a distinct lack of suitable commercial photodetectors for enabling novel quantum technologies. Develop a high-quantum efficiency photodetector operating at an optical wavelength of 1064 nm. The photodiode must demonstrate a quantum efficiency greater than 95% at this wavelength, while maintaining an operational bandwidth exceeding 5 GHz. Characterize all aspects of the photodetector and determine the most effective way of packaging the device into a compact module for best performance. In the Phase I effort, simulations will be conducted to determine the optimum epitaxial design for achieving both high quantum efficiency and operational bandwidth at an optical wavelength of 1064 nm, particularly under low-illumination conditions. The photodiodes will be fabricated, characterized, and integrated into a housing. Packaging challenges will be assessed and analyzed in order to maintain optical- to-microwave transduction fidelity up to 5 GHz.Several markets including inertial sensing, geodesy, and communications will soon be impacted by developments in quantum information science. As this is a rapidly growing field, it is critical to maintain a fertile research ecosystem within the United States to spur the rapid adoption of these potentially high- impact technologies when breakthroughs occur. As practical implementations of these technologies will probably start with high-performance sensors for military applications, a strong U.S. presence in quantum information science will help bolster U.S. national security. Furthermore, as components such as high- quantum efficiency photodetectors are developed, costs of these systems will inevitably fall, leading to increased U.S. economic competitiveness.