2507617
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
SBIR Phase I: Nonlinear Eigenmode Expansion Method for Integrated Quantum Photonics
The broader impact/commercial impacts of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project are in developing a new computer program that will enhance the design and optimization of photonic devices used in quantum technology.
Photonic devices in quantum technology use light to process and transfer information in advanced ways.
This innovation addresses a major gap in the ability to model and design optical processes which are essential for secure quantum communications, sensing, and computing.
Existing computer programs cannot capture the complexity of quantum photonic interactions, leading to slow and expensive designs.
By introducing a faster and more accurate modeling approach, this project will help accelerate the development of next-generation quantum technologies, reducing both the cost and time required for device design.
The commercialization strategy is focused on offering a free version with basic functionality and premium versions with the newly developed capabilities.
The proposed technology will provide a durable competitive advantage and large commercial potential through patent protection.
Beyond commercial applications, this project will support workforce development and contribute to research and development, aligning with US leadership goals in AI computing.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of a nonlinear eigenmode expansion simulation tool for modeling nonlinear optical interactions in complex waveguide structures.
Current modeling approaches, such as finite-difference time-domain, are computationally expensive and struggle to accurately model key nonlinear optical processes like second harmonic generation and spontaneous parametric down-conversion.
The proposed nonlinear eigenmode expansion method aims to overcome these limitations by integrating nonlinear and quantum-specific calculations into an eigenmode expansion framework, using a semi-classical framework.
The project will develop and validate a robust simulation tool that significantly reduces computational time while maintaining high accuracy.
Research efforts will include implementing core algorithms for modeling nonlinear interactions, extending these methods to quantum-specific processes, and benchmarking the tool against both experimental data and traditional simulation methods.
This project will result in a commercially available simulation tool that accelerates research and development in the quantum photonics industry, enabling the design of more efficient and scalable quantum devices.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
The broader impact/commercial impacts of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project are in developing a new computer program that will enhance the design and optimization of photonic devices used in quantum technology.
Photonic devices in quantum technology use light to process and transfer information in advanced ways.
This innovation addresses a major gap in the ability to model and design optical processes which are essential for secure quantum communications, sensing, and computing.
Existing computer programs cannot capture the complexity of quantum photonic interactions, leading to slow and expensive designs.
By introducing a faster and more accurate modeling approach, this project will help accelerate the development of next-generation quantum technologies, reducing both the cost and time required for device design.
The commercialization strategy is focused on offering a free version with basic functionality and premium versions with the newly developed capabilities.
The proposed technology will provide a durable competitive advantage and large commercial potential through patent protection.
Beyond commercial applications, this project will support workforce development and contribute to research and development, aligning with US leadership goals in AI computing.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of a nonlinear eigenmode expansion simulation tool for modeling nonlinear optical interactions in complex waveguide structures.
Current modeling approaches, such as finite-difference time-domain, are computationally expensive and struggle to accurately model key nonlinear optical processes like second harmonic generation and spontaneous parametric down-conversion.
The proposed nonlinear eigenmode expansion method aims to overcome these limitations by integrating nonlinear and quantum-specific calculations into an eigenmode expansion framework, using a semi-classical framework.
The project will develop and validate a robust simulation tool that significantly reduces computational time while maintaining high accuracy.
Research efforts will include implementing core algorithms for modeling nonlinear interactions, extending these methods to quantum-specific processes, and benchmarking the tool against both experimental data and traditional simulation methods.
This project will result in a commercially available simulation tool that accelerates research and development in the quantum photonics industry, enabling the design of more efficient and scalable quantum devices.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH / SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PHASE I PROGRAMS", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF24579
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Boulder,
Colorado
80305-5469
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Emode Photonix was awarded
Project Grant 2507617
worth $305,000
from National Science Foundation in April 2025 with work to be completed primarily in Boulder Colorado United States.
The grant
has a duration of 1 year 1 months and
was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
SBIR Phase I: Nonlinear Eigenmode Expansion Method for Integrated Quantum Photonics
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial impacts of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project are in developing a new computer program that will enhance the design and optimization of photonic devices used in quantum technology. Photonic devices in quantum technology use light to process and transfer information in advanced ways. This innovation addresses a major gap in the ability to model and design optical processes which are essential for secure quantum communications, sensing, and computing. Existing computer programs cannot capture the complexity of quantum photonic interactions, leading to slow and expensive designs. By introducing a faster and more accurate modeling approach, this project will help accelerate the development of next-generation quantum technologies, reducing both the cost and time required for device design. The commercialization strategy is focused on offering a free version with basic functionality and premium versions with the newly developed capabilities. The proposed technology will provide a durable competitive advantage and large commercial potential through patent protection. Beyond commercial applications, this project will support workforce development and contribute to research and development, aligning with US leadership goals in AI computing.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of a nonlinear eigenmode expansion simulation tool for modeling nonlinear optical interactions in complex waveguide structures. Current modeling approaches, such as finite-difference time-domain, are computationally expensive and struggle to accurately model key nonlinear optical processes like second harmonic generation and spontaneous parametric down-conversion. The proposed nonlinear eigenmode expansion method aims to overcome these limitations by integrating nonlinear and quantum-specific calculations into an eigenmode expansion framework, using a semi-classical framework. The project w
Topic Code
PH
Solicitation Number
NSF 24-579
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 4/4/25
Period of Performance
4/1/25
Start Date
5/31/26
End Date
Funding Split
$305.0K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$305.0K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2507617
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
WDAKL8EH1CW6
Awardee CAGE
11UE9
Performance District
CO-02
Senators
Michael Bennet
John Hickenlooper
John Hickenlooper
Modified: 4/4/25