Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: SB133-001

Description

To address the DARPA need for an efficient quantum frequency converter, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Quantum Information Converter with Modal Coupling Key (QUICK). This proposed device is based on novel side-writing implementation of known effect of photo-induced second harmonic generation. The innovation in improved laser writing of second order nonlinearity from the side enables QUICK to precisely tailor desired phase matching conditions in a fully automated fabrication process similar to long-period grating writing. Phase matching of the conversion into a separating cladding mode with selective key coupling is used to eliminate the known noise processes such as Raman scattering. As a result, this QUICK approach offers an all-fiber, low-loss quantum converter with readily selectable computer-controlled phase matching written directly into the core of the fiber with robustness and packaging portability comparable to fiber Bragg gratings and the high efficiency of a tightly confined long-length waveguiding converter, which directly addresses the DARPA requirements for quantum frequency conversion. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of QUICK by completing a detailed computer model and preliminary experimental evaluation of the QUICK demonstrator performance. In Phase II, POC plans to construct and test fully functional QUICK device prototypes.