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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Accelerating the Deployment of Space-Based Quantum Sensors

The Space Science and Technology Partnership Forum (S&T Forum), comprised of an interagency team from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the United States Space Force, presents findings and recommendations from a study on the state of quantum sensors for space applications, enabling component technologies, facilities, and developers across government, industry, and academia. The following five areas of quantum sensing technology (listed in alphabetical order) were identified as being of near-term interest to all three S&T Forum agencies: atomic clocks, atom interferometers, quantum magnetometers, Rydberg sensors, and single photon detectors. This paper focuses on two recommendations: 1) increased collaboration between the S&T Forum, industry, and academia on the development of enabling components for the five quantum sensing technology areas, and 2) challenges and future opportunities to take quantum sensors from the laboratory to space. Through this study, the S&T Forum found a diverse and broad community of quantum sensing developers in the United States that are leading efforts in research, testing, manufacturing, and qualification of quantum sensors and their enabling component technologies. There are common needs across quantum sensing technology areas. To address the common needs, the S&T Forum agencies are encouraged to utilize existing models and mechanisms to enable co-development of enabling component technologies and to explore new avenues for engagement with the quantum sensing community.

Grace C Ray↗
NASA NTRS2024

Dual-Resonator Kinetic-Inductance Detector for Distinction between Signal and 1/ƒ Frequency Noise

Astronomical kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs), similar to quantum information devices, experience performance-limiting noise from materials. In particular, 1/ƒ (frequency) noise arises from two-level system defects (TLSs) in the circuit dielectrics and material interfaces and can be a dominant noise mechanism. Here, we present a dual-resonator KID (DuRKID), which is designed for improved noise-equivalent power relative to standard 1/ƒ -noise-limited KIDs. In this study we present the DuRKID schematic, a fabricated example, our first measurement results, a theoretical model including 1/ƒ noise, and a system-noise model containing additional noise sources. The circuit consists of two superconducting resonators sharing an electrical capacitance bridge of four capacitors, each of which hosts TLSs. The device is intended to operate using hybridization of the modes, which causes TLSs to either couple to one mode or the other, depending upon which capacitor they reside in. In contrast, the signal will affect a resonator inductance and, due to mode hybridization, this causes correlated frequency changes in both modes. Therefore, one can better distinguish the photon signal from the TLS frequency noise. To achieve hybridization, a TiN inductor is current biased to allow tuning of one bare-resonator mode into degeneracy with the other. Measurements show that the resonator modes hybridize as expected. The inter-resonator coupling and unintentional coupling of the two resonators to transmission lines are also characterized in measurements. A quantum information-science model allows device-parameter extraction from experimental data and a 1/ƒ noise analysis with uncorrelated noise. A system-noise analysis of the DuRKID, with comparisons to standard KIDs, is performed with generation-recombination noise and amplifier noise. The study reveals that the DuRKID can exhibit a large performance advantage over TLS-limited KID detectors.

N Forouzani↗
NASA NTRS2022

A Strategic Lens on Quantum Sensing for Space Applications

As classical technologies approach their theoretical power limits, quantum technologies, including computing, communications, and sensing, are often credited as the next science and engineering revolution. Quantum sensors are the basis of quantum computing and communications technologies, but also have unique uses for security, medical, and space-related applications. Regarding NASA’s agency goals, quantum sensing can improve climate change monitoring, enable navigations systems for deep space, and enhance fundamental astrophysics research. This report outlines the findings from an independent intern project on the ways NASA can strategically invest in quantum sensing technologies. This report also outlines policy barriers to developing the technology, largely related to communication difficulties, unfamiliarity with quantum, and lengthy approval processes. The information on tools and challenges relevant to quantum technology was gathered from literature reviews, online research, and discussions with NASA individuals. This report concludes with strategic recommendations to answer the question: what policies should NASA implement to effectively research and develop quantum sensing technologies?

Holland Frieling↗
NASA NTRS2021

Quantum Computing to Accelerate High Fidelity Computational Materials Modeling

In this CIF we worked to develop quantum algorithms for material science simulations based on new ideas recently proposed on plane wave basis sets. Many body simulations are not generally performed in plane wave basis sets on classical hardware, but with newly proposed quantum algorithms, it is possible this will be a highly efficient basis set to run quantum simulations on quantum hardware. Using state of the art classical simulations we ran small test simulations to estimate the resources that will be needed to run such plane wave algorithms on quantum hardware. We demonstrate our approach for a series of atoms and molecular systems.

Norman Tubman↗
NASA NTRS2023

Distributed Quantum Processing via Integrated Regional Quantum Networks Using Free-Space Optical Links

The landscape for quantum computing is rapidly evolving with the development of quantum computers and the emergence of future science enabling applications being pursued in many areas, such as distributed quantum computing, hybrid computing scenarios that require cooperatively networked quantum and classical computing assets and more. Quantum networking is also advancing with multiple regional quantum networks and testbeds maturing across the nation. These quantum networking testbeds typically include multiple access points with a heterogeneous mixture of capabilities interconnected by fiber spanning anywhere from tens to hundreds of kilometers; many such networks incorporate a classical networking framework. Alongside these connectivity advancements in the infrastructure, there is quantum sensing device and component technology maturation that is serving to expand the body of quantum networking scenarios that are presently possible and redefining the quantum- enabled future. Bridging the present collective progress in quantum computing and quantum networking will enable the next era of purposeful advancements for national priority use-cases for the benefit of science. One such use-case is enabling future quantum computing applications via integrated regional quantum networking infrastructure in neighboring locations like New York and Maryland, both states are home to robust classical and quantum networking capabilities. To enable near-term distributed quantum computing applications via the practical integration of regional quantum networking infrastructure, free-space optical links via satellite communications will be essential to avoid the exponential loss commonly observed with fiber implementations. There is both an urgent need and a practical justification for pursuing such space-based integration scope now.

Harry Shaw↗
NASA NTRS2024

Modeling Entanglement-Based Quantum Key Distribution for the NASA Quantum Communications Analysis Suite

One of the most practical, and sought after, applications of quantum mechanics in the field of information science is the use of entanglement distribution to communicate quantum information effectively. Similar to the continued improvements of functional quantum computers over the past decade, advances in demonstrations of entanglement distribution over long distances may enable new applications in aeronautics and space communications. The existing NASA Quantum Communications Analysis Suite (NQCAS) software models such applications, but limited experimental data exists to verify the model’s theoretical results. There is, however, a large body of experimental data in the relevant literature for entanglement-based quantum key distribution (QKD). This paper details a Monte Carlo based QKD model that uses NQCAS input parameters to generate an estimated QKD link budget for verification of NQCAS. The model generates link budget statistics like key rates, error rates, and S values that can then be compared to the experimental values in the literature. Preliminary comparisons show many similarities between the simulated and experimental data, supporting the model’s validity. A verified NQCAS model will inform experimental work conducted in Glenn Research Center’s (GRC) NASA Quantum Metrology Laboratory (NQML), supporting the United States Quantum Initiative and potential NASA missions.

NASA Quantum Communications Analysis Suite↗
NASA NTRS2012

Achievable Precision for Optical Ranging Systems

Achievable RMS errors in estimating the phase, frequency, and intensity of a direct-detected intensity-modulated optical pulse train are presented. For each parameter, the Cramer-Rao-Bound (CRB) is derived and the performance of the Maximum Likelihood estimator is illustrated. Approximations to the CRBs are provided, enabling an intuitive understanding of estimator behavior as a function of the signaling parameters. The results are compared to achievable RMS errors in estimating the same parameters from a sinusoidal waveform in additive white Gaussian noise. This establishes a framework for a performance comparison of radio frequency (RF) and optical science. Comparisons are made using parameters for state-of-the-art deep-space RF and optical links. Degradations to the achievable errors due to clock phase noise and detector jitter are illustrated.

estimation theory↗
NASA NTRS2024

Proceedings of the Quantum Sensing Workshop, September 2022

To understand the NASA needs for quantum-sensing technologies and the capabilities developed internal and external to NASA, a workshop was held on September 27 through 29, 2022, in Newport News, VA. This workshop brought together senior leadership within NASA, technical experts within the quantum sensing community, NASA scientists and potential end-users of quantum-sensing technologies, and external stakeholders. This document contains the papers and presentations given at the Workshop.

Quantum Sensing↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Experimental and Theoretical Needs for the JWST Early Release Science Program on Radiative Feedback from Massive Stars (PDRs4ALL): III. A Quantum Chemistry Perspective

Massive stars disrupt their natal molecular cloud material by dissociating molecules, ionizing atoms and molecules, and heating the gas and dust. These processes drive the evolution of interstellar matter in our Galaxy and throughout the Universe from the era of vigorous star formation at z=1-3 to the present day. Much of this interaction occurs in Photo- Dissociation Regions (PDRs) where far-ultraviolet photons of these stars create a largely neutral, but warm region of gas and dust. PDR emission dominates the IR spectra of starforming galaxies and provides a unique tool to study the physical and chemical processes that are relevant for inter- and circumstellar media including diffuse clouds, molecular cloud and protoplanetary disk surfaces, and starburst galaxies. The ERS program ID1288 is dedicated to provide template data as well as data processing and analysis tools for PDRs. To this end, it will observe the Orion Bar, the proto-typical PDR situated in the nearby Orion Nebula, using NIRSpec IFU, MIRI IFU, and NIRCAM and MIRI imaging. These observations will, for the first time, spatially resolve and perform a tomography of the PDR, revealing the individual IR spectral signatures from the key zones and sub-regions within the ionized gas, the PDR, and the molecular cloud. Quantum chemistry can be used to determine molecular data such as ionization potentials, chemical reaction rates, electronic spectra, dissociation energies, channels, and branching ratios, etc. These are often used in synergy with experiment to take advantage of the strengths of each approach. An area of active research is modeling the infrared (IR) emission spectra produced by PAH molecules, including the effects of anharmonicity. This will be important in the interpretation of JWST data which will yield higher-resolution spectral data compared to Spitzer or ISO. Quantum chemistry methods can compute accurate anharmonic IR absorption spectra of PAH molecules up to about 25 C atoms, and the results have been benchmarked against high-resolution experimental spectra. These feed into a quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) approach to generate temperature-dependent anharmonic IR emission spectra and then used to generate fully anharmonic cascade emission IR spectra of PAH molecules -- the very type of spectra that JWST will observe. Work continues to extend these methods to larger PAH molecules. We will discuss the current state of this work, as well as

Timothy Lee↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Quantum Information Systems at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Glenn Research Center is focused on supporting NASA goals in several mission areas from Space Exploration and Aeronautics to Science. NASA GRC is exploring how quantum metrology, models, and free-space testbeds can be integrated with NASA’s aerospace competency needs to provide an understanding of how spaceflight components work together in Quantum Information Systems. In this presentation an overview of potential focus areas for quantum systems along with current efforts to enable research and analysis of quantum systems for NASA applications will be discussed. As such, we provide an overview of device measurement capability within NASA’s Quantum Metrology Laboratory (NQML), dynamic quantum network modeling via the NASA Quantum Communications Analysis Suite (NQCAS) simulation tool, and plans for instituting an aero quantum testbed platform.

quantum↗
NASA NTRS2011

NEXUS Scalable and Distributed Next-Generation Avionics Bus for Space Missions

A paper discusses NEXUS, a common, next-generation avionics interconnect that is transparently compatible with wired, fiber-optic, and RF physical layers; provides a flexible, scalable, packet switched topology; is fault-tolerant with sub-microsecond detection/recovery latency; has scalable bandwidth from 1 Kbps to 10 Gbps; has guaranteed real-time determinism with sub-microsecond latency/jitter; has built-in testability; features low power consumption (< 100 mW per Gbps); is lightweight with about a 5,000-logic-gate footprint; and is implemented in a small Bus Interface Unit (BIU) with reconfigurable back-end providing interface to legacy subsystems. NEXUS enhances a commercial interconnect standard, Serial RapidIO, to meet avionics interconnect requirements without breaking the standard. This unified interconnect technology can be used to meet performance, power, size, and reliability requirements of all ranges of equipment, sensors, and actuators at chip-to-chip, board-to-board, or box-to-box boundary. Early results from in-house modeling activity of Serial RapidIO using VisualSim indicate that the use of a switched, high-performance avionics network will provide a quantum leap in spacecraft onboard science and autonomy capability for science and exploration missions.

He, Yutao↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Incorporating ADAPT-VQE with a Sparse Wavefunction Circuit Simulator to Find Compact Quantum Circuits for Chemical Applications

We implemented the ADAPT-VQE algorithm into our recent classical sparse wavefunction circuit simulator to demonstrate that classical resources can (1) efficiently find a physically motivated compact wavefunction ansatz for further refinement on near-term quantum hardware and (2) benchmark expected results of VQE-based algorithms once the quantum hardware is available to study large-scale applications. In particular, we study the role of the ADAPT-VQE operator pool, molecular basis set selection, and variations such as TETRIS-ADAPT-VQE on the performance of our classical circuit simulator. This work demonstrates the promise of using classical resources to generate highly accurate wavefunctions that can be prepared on quantum hardware to initiate other quantum algorithms such as phase estimation. Our approach harnesses the power of high-performance computing resources with the more limited available quantum computers to map a path toward quantum advantage for electronic structure calculations in chemistry and materials science.

Quantum Computing↗
NASA NTRS2020

Workshop on Space Quantum Communications and Networks

NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program and the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) co-sponsored a two-day workshop in January 2020 on space quantum communications and networks. The workshop was hosted by the Space Sciences Laboratory of the University of California, Berkeley. About 70 invited technical and program leaders from academia, industry, and government agencies defined science goals and technology requirements for a future NASA “quantum mission” that is fully aligned with the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) vision for a space-ground quantum network. This NQI vision is also a strategic milestone in SCaN’s plans for NASA’s space-based quantum communications and networks. The overall technical objectives of the Workshop were to (i) critically evaluate various mission design concepts, (ii) converge on a small subset of quantum communication and networking experiments suitable for space applications, and (iii) identify key technology gaps and promote new and emerging technologies to enable NASA’s “quantum mission” within a 5-year horizon.

quantum communications↗
NASA NTRS2013

Room-Temperature Operation of Index-Coupled Distributed-Feedback 4.75 Micron Quantum Cascade Lasers Fabricated Without Epitaxial Regrowth

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) was spin-stabilized during its cruise to Mars. We discuss the effects of spin on the radiometric data and how the orbit determination team dealt with them. Additionally, we will discuss the unplanned benefits of detailed spin modeling including attitude estimation and spacecraft clock correlation.

quantum cascade lasers↗
NASA NTRS1996

EUVS Sounding Rocket Payload

During the first half of this year (CY 1996), the EUVS project began preparations of the EUVS payload for the upcoming NASA sounding rocket flight 36.148CL, slated for launch on July 26, 1996 to observe and record a high-resolution (approx. 2 A FWHM) EUV spectrum of the planet Venus. These preparations were designed to improve the spectral resolution and sensitivity performance of the EUVS payload as well as prepare the payload for this upcoming mission. The following is a list of the EUVS project activities that have taken place since the beginning of this CY: (1) Applied a fresh, new SiC optical coating to our existing 2400 groove/mm grating to boost its reflectivity; (2) modified the Ranicon science detector to boost its detective quantum efficiency with the addition of a repeller grid; (3) constructed a new entrance slit plane to achieve 2 A FWHM spectral resolution; (4) prepared and held the Payload Initiation Conference (PIC) with the assigned NASA support team from Wallops Island for the upcoming 36.148CL flight (PIC held on March 8, 1996; see Attachment A); (5) began wavelength calibration activities of EUVS in the laboratory; (6) made arrangements for travel to WSMR to begin integration activities in preparation for the July 1996 launch; (7) paper detailing our previous EUVS Venus mission (NASA flight 36.117CL) published in Icarus (see Attachment B); and (8) continued data analysis of the previous EUVS mission 36.137CL (Spica occultation flight).

Stern, Alan S.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Software Package Completed for Alloy Design at the Atomic Level

As a result of a multidisciplinary effort involving solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, and materials and surface science, the first version of a software package dedicated to the atomistic analysis of multicomponent systems was recently completed. Based on the BFS (Bozzolo, Ferrante, and Smith) method for the calculation of alloy and surface energetics, this package includes modules devoted to the analysis of many essential features that characterize any given alloy or surface system, including (1) surface structure analysis, (2) surface segregation, (3) surface alloying, (4) bulk crystalline material properties and atomic defect structures, and (5) thermal processes that allow us to perform phase diagram calculations. All the modules of this Alloy Design Workbench 1.0 (ADW 1.0) are designed to run in PC and workstation environments, and their operation and performance are substantially linked to the needs of the user and the specific application.

Bozzolo, Guillermo H.↗