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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

3D-printed micro ion trap technology for quantum information applications

Trapped-ion applications, such as in quantum information processing1, precision measurements, optical clocks and mass spectrometry, rely on specialized high-performance ion traps. The last three of these applications typically use traditional machining to customize macroscopic 3D Paul traps, whereas quantum information processing experiments usually rely on photolithographic techniques to miniaturize the traps and meet scalability requirements. Using photolithography, however, it is challenging to fabricate the complex 3D electrode structures required for optimal confinement. Here, in this work, we demonstrate a high-resolution 3D printing technology based on two-photon polymerization (2PP) that is capable of fabricating large arrays of high-performance miniaturized 3D traps. We show that 3D-printed ion traps combine the advantages, such as strong radial confinement, of traditionally machined 3D traps with on-chip miniaturization. We trap calcium ions in 3D-printed ion traps with radial trap frequencies ranging from 2 MHz to 24 MHz. The tight confinement eases ion cooling requirements and allows us to implement high-quality Rabi oscillations with Doppler cooling only. Also, we demonstrate a two-qubit gate with a Bell-state fidelity of 0.978 ± 0.012. With 3D printing technology, the design freedom is greatly expanded without sacrificing scalability and precision, so that ion trap geometries can be optimized for higher performance and better functionality.

quantum information↗
DOE OSTI2025

SRF-Based Quantum Transduction for Quantum Computing and Sensing

The next groundbreaking frontier in Quantum Information Science (QIS) is the development of low-noise interconnections over fiber optics between superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) quantum devices. High-efficiency microwave-optical transduction serves as a pivotal enabler for distributed quantum computing and sensor networks. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of quantum transduction achieved by coupling SRF cavities to electro-optic optical resonators, enabling efficient conversion between microwave and optical photons. This research, supported by the DOE Early Career Research Program, advances technologies for quantum computing and sensing, and complements the mission of the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center at Fermilab.

Zorzetti, Silvia [Fermilab] (ORCID:000000023208338↗
DOE OSTI2026

Many-body entanglement in solid-state emitters

The preparation and control of quantum states lie at the heart of quantum information science. Recent advances in solid-state quantum emitters (QEs) and nanophotonics have transformed the landscape of quantum photonic technologies, enabling scalable generation of quantum states of light and matter. A new frontier in solid-state quantum photonics is the engineering of many-body interactions between QEs and photons to achieve robust coherence and controllable many-body entanglement. These entangled states, including photonic graph and cluster states, superradiant emission and emergent quantum phases, are promising for quantum computation, sensing and simulation. However, intrinsic inhomogeneities and decoherence in solid-state platforms pose considerable challenges in realizing such complex entangled states. This Review provides an overview of fundamental many-body interactions and dynamics at the light–matter interfaces of solid-state QEs and discusses recent advances in mitigating decoherence and harnessing robust many-body coherence.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Gigahertz-frequency acousto-optic phase modulation of visible light in a CMOS-fabricated photonic circuit

Optical phase modulators operating at visible wavelengths are essential components for photonic technologies such as those for quantum control, communications, and laser ranging. However, they remain challenging to implement in scalable, integrated platforms capable of handling high optical powers. Here we present a visible-light, gigahertz-frequency acousto-optic phase modulator, fabricated on a 200-mm wafer in a volume CMOS foundry, that supports greater than 500 mW of optical power at 730 nm. The device combines a piezoelectric transducer and a photonic waveguide within a single, wavelength-scale structure that confines both a propagating optical mode and an electrically excitable breathing-mode mechanical resonance. By tuning the device’s geometry to optimize the optomechanical interaction, we achieve modulation depths up to 4.85 rad with 80 mW of applied microwave power at 2.31 GHz in a 2-mm-long device. This corresponds to resonant modulation figures of merit of V π = 1.32V and V π ⋅ L = 0.26V cm. To our knowledge, this is the lowest V π ever demonstrated in any acousto-optic phase modulator and represents a 15-fold reduction in V π and a 100-fold reduction in required microwave power relative to state-of-the-art modulators with high visible-wavelength power handling commonly employed in quantum control systems.

Freedman, Jacob M. [Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (↗
DOE OSTI2026

Redefining precision interferometry and spectroscopy with high-performance optical interference coatings

High-performance optical interference coatings have transformed precision interferometry and spectroscopy by enabling unparalleled control over light–matter interactions. This review explores recent innovations in ion-beam sputtered amorphous dielectric, as well as substrate-transferred crystalline coatings, and their impact on systems at the forefront of precision metrology. These state-of-the-art coating techniques generate multilayers with ultralow optical losses, yielding mirrors with exceptional reflectivity. Refinements in their noise performance push the ultimate limits of sensitivity, resolution, and stability in demanding laser-based metrology applications. These technologies underpin the most advanced timekeeping and spatial measurement tools, enabling high-finesse reference cavities for the world’s most precise optical atomic clocks and low-noise reflective test masses for km-baseline gravitational-wave detectors. Emerging hybrid designs combining these techniques expand access to the mid-infrared spectral region, enabling the first ultralow-optical-loss coatings in the 3000–5000 nm wavelength range for enhanced spectroscopy and trace-gas detection. We highlight how these technologies redefine coating performance metrics and set new benchmarks in quantum science, fundamental physics, and precision optical sensing.

Cole, Garrett D. [University of Arizona, Tucson, A↗
DOE OSTI2025

Noise Constraints on Sensitivity Scaling in Quantum Nonlinear Metrology

Quantum-enhanced metrology surpasses classical metrology by improving estimation precision scaling with a resource 𝑁 (e.g., particle number or energy) from 1/√𝑁 to 1/𝑁. Through the use of nonlinear effects, Roy and Braunstein [Exponentially enhanced quantum metrology, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 220501 (2008)] derived a 1/𝑁 2 scaling. However, later works argued this exponential improvement is unphysical and that even modest gains, like 1/𝑁 2 , may vanish under noise. We show that, in the presence of small errors, the nonlinear interactions enabling metrological enhancement induce emergent errors. Here, the errors propagate through the sensing protocol and are magnified proportional to any intended nonlinear enhancement. We identify a critical value of the parameter to be estimated, for a fixed error, below which the emergent errors can be avoided.

Quantum Fisher information↗
DOE OSTI2026

High finesse buckled microcavities

Optical cavities are widely used in modern science and technology to enable a wide range of both quantum and classical applications. Recently, the growing demand for miniaturization and high performance has fueled the exploration of new fabrication methods beyond traditional polishing techniques and macroscopic mirrors. Visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths are particularly important for quantum applications, where achieving low-loss resonators is also more challenging than in the telecom range, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for microscopic cavity systems. Here, we present a fabrication method for making NIR microcavities using buckled dielectric membrane mirrors, achieving a record finesse of 0.9 million at 780 nm for microcavities. We demonstrated flexible device geometries—including singular mirrors and mirror arrays, featuring radii of curvature ranging from 1 to 10 mm. The fabrication process offers high uniformity, high yield, and robust performance across a wide range of cavity lengths. Additionally, we can produce easy-to-assemble microcavity packages, with a total volume of ~2(4) mm 3 , featuring optical modes with a linewidth of 5.16 MHz (570 kHz) and a free spectral range (FSR) of 3.18 THz (150 GHz). Our results extend the frontier of microcavity fabrication for classical and quantum photonic technologies.

Ding, Sophie Weiyi [Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA (↗
NASA NTRS2004

Examples of Current and Future Uses of Neural-Net Image Processing for Aerospace Applications

Feed forward artificial neural networks are very convenient for performing correlated interpolation of pairs of complex noisy data sets as well as detecting small changes in image data. Image-to-image, image-to-variable and image-to-index applications have been tested at Glenn. Early demonstration applications are summarized including image-directed alignment of optics, tomography, flow-visualization control of wind-tunnel operations and structural-model-trained neural networks. A practical application is reviewed that employs neural-net detection of structural damage from interference fringe patterns. Both sensor-based and optics-only calibration procedures are available for this technique. These accomplishments have generated the knowledge necessary to suggest some other applications for NASA and Government programs. A tomography application is discussed to support Glenn's Icing Research tomography effort. The self-regularizing capability of a neural net is shown to predict the expected performance of the tomography geometry and to augment fast data processing. Other potential applications involve the quantum technologies. It may be possible to use a neural net as an image-to-image controller of an optical tweezers being used for diagnostics of isolated nano structures. The image-to-image transformation properties also offer the potential for simulating quantum computing. Computer resources are detailed for implementing the black box calibration features of the neural nets.

Decker, Arthur J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mathematical Foundation for Quantum Computing of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in Dielectric Media

Can quantum computers effectively simulate the propagation and scattering of electromagnetic waves in a classical plasma? This chapter introduces some of the basic concepts in mathematics and physics essential to answering that question. The numerical simulations of Maxwell equations for wave propagation in dielectrics are constrained by technological limitations of the present-day computers. In contrast, there has been ample fanfare around quantum computers and their potential to far exceed the performance of traditional computers. Whether the enhanced capabilities of a quantum computer can be put to use for simulating topics in classical physics is a source of intrigue and curiosity.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ion Traps and Packaging for Heterogenous Integration - Chimera

Microfabricated surface ion traps and silicon-based photonics are critical technologies for scaling quantum systems. Current ion trap architectures face scalability and integration challenges due to limitations in optical access, fabrication techniques, and material compatibility. State-of-the-art quantum computers and atomic clocks are investigating monolithic integration, which necessitates custom traps for each ion species and has not overcome the integration hurdles presented by merging these technologies. The Chimera (Ion Traps and Packaging for Heterogeneous Integration) project proposes a novel approach utilizing heterogeneous integration (HI) of ion traps and photonic circuits. This separation of components allows for flexibility in ion trap design and reduces fabrication compromises. The Chimera project specifically designed an ion trap to interface vertically with a separately fabricated waveguide chip and demonstrates the first steps to integrating them at the packaging level. The ion trap features a large area of removed silicon, allowing the photonics chip outputs closer to the ion trap, improving alignment and packaging processes. The alignment must be accurate to < 1 µm to ensure that the light from the waveguide can overlap with the trapping region. This fine alignment must also be maintained through an ultra-high vacuum bake, a critical step in preparing an ion trap experiment. By combining separate chips, we demonstrate a new path for scaling trapped ion technology that is less reliant on monolithic integration. We successfully fabricated a trap with a large area of oxide removed, resulting in a region thinned to about 40 µm, a key milestone toward successful integration.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2019

Spectrally Resolved Synthetic Aperture Imaging Interferometer: Final Report of NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts - Phase 1 Study

The Spectrally Resolved Synthetic-Aperture Imaging Interferometer (SRSAII) is a system proposed to provide high-resolution and high-sensitivity measurements of astronomical objects. SRSAII uses long baseline interferometric methods to achieve the resolution and low-noise, high time-precision detection to achieve the sensitivity. The primary goal of the SRSAII study was to lay out a framework for using new optical physics technologies to directly resolve, both spatially and spectrally, the disk of an exoplanet. In addition to the ambitious goal of directly resolving an exoplanet, the SRSAII team also sought to identify science opportunities achievable with intermediate system configurations which may offer resolution significantly higher than the current state of the art, but insufficient for direct resolution of an exoplanetary disk. An operational SRSAII system can function with essentially arbitrarily large baselines, achieving correspondingly high angular resolution. The primary limitation occurs in the system sensitivity, which became the major technical focus for study. In this report, we compare the predicted performance (sensitivity in SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) along with angular resolution) of three interferometric techniques: direct detection (also known as homodyne interferometry), multi-channel intensity interferometry (using the Hanbury Brown and Twiss effect), and multi-channel heterodyne interferometry (using an optical frequency comb as a local oscillator). Additionally, quantum-assisted interferometry is also explored as a prospective enhancement of established methods. This report presents a survey of the technologies that enable the SRSAII techniques - optical frequency combs, single photon detectors, and photonic integrated circuits. These technologies are the basis of methods critical to SRSAII's success: precision timing, length and frequency metrology, sensitive photodetection, fine-scale wavelength filtering, and dense multi-channel operation. Lastly, we give some notional performance metrics and propose some possible experimental observations.

High Resolultion↗
DOE OSTI2025

Piezoelectrically actuated silicon-nitride-based high-speed spatial light modulator

Advancements in light modulator technology have been driving discoveries and progress across various fields. The problem of large-scale coherent optical control of atomic quantum systems—including cold atoms, ions, and solid-state color centers—presents among the most stringent requirements. This motivates a new generation of high-speed large-scale modulator technology operating in the visible to near-infrared wavelength range. We introduce a scalable modulator technology based on piezoelectrically actuated silicon nitride resonant waveguide gratings fabricated on 200 mm diameter silicon wafers with CMOS-compatible processes. We present a proof-of-concept device with 4 × 4 individually addressable 50 μ m × 50 μ m pixels or channels, each containing a resonant waveguide grating with a ~ 780 nm design wavelength, supporting > 100 MHz modulation speeds, and a spectral response with > 20 dB extinction.

integrated optics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ternary molecular switching in a single-crystal optical actuator with correlated crystal strain

A growing portfolio of single-crystal optical actuators is forging a new class of photonic materials that hold prospects for quantum technologies. Ruthenium-based complexes that exhibit this phenomenon via SO 2 -linkage photoisomerisation are of particular interest since they display multiple metastable states, once induced by green light; yet, complete photoconversion into each SO 2 -isomeric state is rarely achieved. We discover a new complex, trans-[Ru(SO 2 )(NH 3 ) 4 (4-bromopyridine)]tosylate 2 , that produces 100% photoconverted η 1 -OSO isomeric crystal structures at 90 K, which fully transition into η 2 -(OS)O photoisomers upon warming to 100 K, while the dark-state η 1 -SO 2 structure is wholly recovered by heating the crystal to room temperature. Crystal structures and optical-absorption profiles of each state are captured via in-situ light-induced single-crystal X-ray diffraction and optical-absorption spectroscopy. Results show that both photoisomeric species behave as optical switches, but with distinct optical properties. The photoisomerisation process causes thermally-reversible micro- and nanoscopic crystal strain, as characterised by optical microscopy and in-situ light-induced atomic-force microscopy.

actuators↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quantum Spin Probe of Single Charge Dynamics

Electronic defects in semiconductors form the basis for emerging quantum technologies, but many defect centers are difficult to access at the single-particle level. A method for probing optically inactive spin defects would reveal semiconductor physics at the atomic scale and advance the study of new quantum systems. Here, we exploit the intrinsic correlation between the charge and spin states of defect centers to measure the charge populations and dynamics of single substitutional nitrogen spin defects in diamond. By probing their steady-state spin population, read out at the single-defect level with a nearby nitrogen vacancy center, we directly measure the defect ionization-corroborated by first-principles calculations-an effect we do not have access to with traditional coherence-based quantum sensing.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling Electro-Optic Frequency Comb Generation as a Pump Source for Quantum Communications

The Quantum Communications group at NASA GRC is focused on developing technologies and system architectures to enable future space-based quantum networks. High-repetition rate pulsed pump lasers are needed because the signal on the quantum channel cannot be amplified, hence entanglement generation rates can only be increased through high-rate pumping. Additionally, tunability in center frequency, pulse width, and repetition rate allows for a wider parameter space over which to optimize quantum channel frequency conversion efficiency, joint spectral engineering, and channel synchronization for high-fidelity entanglement swapping –a necessary stepping-stone towards quantum repeater development. One of the most flexible methods for high-repetition rate pulse generation is through spectral shaping–generating a frequency comb from a continuous-wave(CW)laser using electro-optic modulators (EOMs). As a result, this project focuses on analytically modeling and simulating the effects various EOMs such as phase and intensity modulators have on a CW source. Generating a tunable frequency comb as the pump source allows us to conveniently fine-tune the central frequency, repetition rate, and the spectral shape of our source to match the strict optimal parameters for any given entanglement source considered in the future. These models and simulations are to be used for comparison purposes for future experiments as well as for providing the Quantum Communications group a convenient tool to understand the effects of manipulating various parameters have on the outgoing frequency comb.

Electro-optic modulator↗
DOE OSTI2025

Applying Mechanistic Co-Design Towards Room-Temperature Organic, Optical, and Multiple-Center Molecular Qubits

The next generation of qubits, the building blocks of quantum technologies, are designed using molecules. Molecular qubits have natural advantages over solid-state equivalents in biological and chemical sensing. Chemistry allows the properties of molecular qubits to be fine-tuned, such as the ability of multiple qubits to work together using qubit-qubit coupling. Molecules and structures containing multiple qubits, made from both inorganic and organic elements, are developed in this work to bring quantum technologies closer to room-temperature operation. The goal is achieved by understanding how the core of the qubit, known as spin, interacts with the vibrating parts of the molecule, other spins, and the surrounding environment. A combined approach involving theory, spectroscopy, and synthesis is used to achieve the design goal.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Phase stability in the Hf-N and Zr-N systems

Hf and Zr nitrides are promising compounds for many technologically important areas, including high-temperature structural applications, quantum computing, and solar and optical applications. Here, this article reports on a comprehensive first-principles statistical mechanics study of phase stability in the Hf-N and Zr-N binary systems. A high solubility of nitrogen in the hcp forms of Hf and Zr is predicted. The rocksalt forms of HfN and ZrN can also tolerate a high degree of off-stoichiometry through the introduction of nitrogen and metal vacancies. The Hf-N binary favors a family of stacking faulted parent crystal structures at intermediate nitrogen concentrations that host a unique form of short-range order among nitrogen interstitials and vacancies. These phases can accommodate some degree of configurational entropy and remain ordered to temperatures as high as 1200 K.

Monte Carlo methods↗