Deadline: 3-Nov-22
The National Research Council is seeking a solution that will enable stable quantum links for the future quantum internet. The solution must demonstrate the synchronization of local interferometers and the stabilization of their interconnecting optical link for the real-time readout of non-local quantum states.
Quantum correlation present among the particles of light promises improved metrological measurements with precision beyond what is achievable by classical resources. National Research Council (NRC) has recently established the source of entangled photons at Metrology Research Centre (METRO) in order to push the measurement precision limit in Optical Metrology to what is guaranteed by quantum physics. In measuring quantum entanglement between spatially distributed photons, it is critical to ensure synchronizing a readout-phase between local interferometers as quantum state analyzers (QSAs) and stabilizing their interconnecting optical links against thermal and/or mechanical fluctuations, within the coherence of participating photons. NRC is hence seeking innovators who could build active feedback system(s) for quantum channel stabilization and analyzer synchronization.
Together, the resulting system, will enable robust and faithful observation of space-separated quantum states, and will eventually be integrated into quantum network prototype based on three-photon entanglement that NRC is currently developing as a fundamental building block for a scalable quantum Internet. Anticipated applications of the prototype include quantum secret sharing between three users and networked quantum information processing with multiple quantum sensors distributed over a distance.
Funding Information
- Multiple contracts could result from this challenge.
- Phase 1:
- The maximum funding available for any Phase 1 contract resulting from this challenge is : $150,000 CAD
- The maximum duration for any Phase 1 project funded by a contract resulting from this challenge is up to 6 months
- Phase 2:
- The maximum funding available for any Phase 2 contract resulting from this challenge is : $1,000,000 CAD
- The maximum duration for any Phase 2 project funded by a contract resulting from this challenge is up to 18 months
Note: Only eligible businesses that have completed Phase 1 could be considered for Phase 2.
Desired Outcomes and Considerations
- Essential (mandatory) outcomes
- The proposed solution must:
- Consist of a minimum of four interferometers (three optimized for quantum signals centered at 1550.00 +/- 0.05 nm, and one optimized for a pump signal centered at 775.00 +/- 0.01 nm).
- Be able to actively stabilize and control an optical phase within 0.001 radians.
- Have negligible crosstalk noise (greater than 80 dB isolation) from phase-locking laser on quantum signals.
- Yield a high throughput (each interferometer must have a transmission of greater than 80%).
- Have the ability to tune path-length difference of each interferometer at least 10 millimeters with 1 micrometer precision.
- Be able to stabilize relative temporal fluctuation of photon between two spatially separated interferometers on the order of picoseconds.
- Be able to stabilize relative temporal fluctuation of photon among all interferometers on the order of picoseconds.
- Be scalable with additional interferometers.
- Additional outcomes
- The proposed solution should:
- Be capable of monitoring phase of interlocked interferometers using Labview or Python.
- Be capable of monitoring temperature of all individual interferometers.
- Be capable of monitoring relative arrival time of photons at each interferometer using Labview or Python.
- The proposed solution should:
Eligibility Criteria
- Solution proposals can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria:
- For profit
- Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Research and development activities that take place in Canada
- 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada
- 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
- 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence.
For more information, visit https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en/stabilization-quantum-measurements