Robust Optical Clock Network (ROCkN)

Background
The Defense Sciences Office (DSO) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals in the area of optical precision timing technologies to increase precision and holdover of robust, low size, weight, and power (SWaP) clocks. Precision timing is essential for many civilian and military applications such as communication systems, electrical power grids, air traffic control, and financial networks. The primary sources of precise time are global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), including the global positioning system (GPS). However, timing technologies based on microwave transitions are limited in the timing precision they can achieve. This BAA is focused on the development of precision timing technologies based on optical atomic transitions.

Work Details
The proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. The program aims to develop robust optical atomic clocks to increase precision of portable clocks by 100x and achieve month-long holdover of 1 ns with practical SWaP and robust environmental performance. The program will be split between Phase 1 and Phase 2 with a target start date of September 2022. Performers will be expected to provide comprehensive quarterly technical reports, phase completion reports, and other negotiated deliverables specific to the objectives of the individual efforts.