Enhancing Quantum Sensor Technologies with Rydberg Atoms (EQSTRA)

Background
The Defense Sciences Office (DSO) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals that significantly advance the performance, capabilities and the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of atomic vapor sensors for electric field sensing, imaging, communications, and quantum information science (QIS). 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.

Grant Details
The EQSTRA solicitation seeks to augment ongoing efforts within the DARPA Science of Atomic Vapors for New Technologies (SAVaNT) program to advance the performance, capabilities, and application landscape of Rydberg-vapor technologies for QIS, quantum-enhanced electrometry, imaging, and communications. The program aims to develop techniques to mitigate the effects of thermal motion and decoherence within broad categories of vapor-based sensing technologies. The solicitation contains four Focus Areas (FA):
- Development of atomically-referenced tunable, narrow linewidth sources of terahertz radiation
- Development of low-SWaP and integrated photonics for Rydberg electrometers
- Development of wafer-scale vapor cells for wideband Rydberg electrometry
- Concept and feasibility studies of Rydberg-based quantum technologies.

Eligibility Requirements
All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs, including both U.S. and non-U.S. sources, may submit a proposal. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses and minority institutions are encouraged to submit proposals. Non-U.S. organizations and/or individuals may participate to the extent that such participants comply with any necessary nondisclosure agreements, security regulations, export control laws, and other governing statutes applicable under the circumstances.

Period of Performance
The EQSTRA program consists of four independent FAs proceeding in parallel. Each FA will be a 24-month effort. Proposers seeking awards for multiple FAs must submit stand-alone proposals for each. A target start date of January 2025 may be assumed for planning purposes.

Grant Value
Anticipated Individual Awards – Multiple awards are anticipated. The total value of the grant is not explicitly provided in the document.