The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has launched the Optical-Atomic System Integration and Calibration, or OASIC, program to accelerate the development and deployment of miniaturized quantum technologies.
The agency said Friday three teams were selected during the first phase of the Small Business Technology Transfer, or STTR, program to develop the technical and commercial plans for the OASIC initiative. The QuEra, Harvard University, MIT and University of Montana team will oversee the qubits testbed, while the Rydberg Technologies, University of Michigan and Purdue University team will handle the quantum sensors testbed. The atomic clock testbed will be developed by a team composed of Vector Atomic and the University of Colorado.
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Addressing the Lack of Quantum Research Testing Facilities
The STTR initiative facilitates the creation of advanced quantum testing centers where startups and small businesses can rapidly test and prototype their chip-scale quantum innovations. These quantum testbeds will address the lack of quantum research facilities that offer testing and evaluation services. The planned facilities will be similar to quantum university-affiliated research centers, or UARCs, which conduct tests for a fee paid through streamlined payment processes.
Setting the Standards for Optical-Atomic Components
Mukund Vengalattore, OASIC program manager at DARPA, said the main objective is to establish OASIC certification as the definitive benchmark for nanophotonic, optoelectronic and electronic components, similar to how the National Institute of Standards and Technology is the standard for technology performance, security and safety.
Enhancements to Testing Facilities
OASIC testing facilities will have a modular design to reconfigure the setup quickly and enable rapid testing and evaluation of various components. In addition, the program aims to cultivate an ecosystem where users with varying expertise collaborate to identify and address each other’s specific needs, which could fast-track the development of quantum technology.
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