The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is soliciting abstracts on developing quantum sensors resistant to environmental disturbances for their reliability outside a laboratory. The solicitation launches the Robust Quantum Sensors, or RoQS, program, which aims to grow stable quantum sensing technology for Department of Defense platforms, DARPA said Tuesday.
It added that RoQS will foster early partnerships between sensor developers and platform makers for a smooth and efficient transition of quantum technology from research to deployment in the defense sector. Through the speedy partnerships, technologies suited for real-world needs can be developed for a seamless integration into current systems to minimize time and resources for hardening and deploying quantum sensors, DARPA explained.
Resilient, Precise Sensors Sought
According to Jonathan Hoffman, program manager at DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office, the fragility of quantum sensors is a major barrier to achieving their potential in gathering critical defense information.
“With RoQS, we’re taking a bold step toward creating sensors that are not only extremely precise but also resilient in the face of real-world challenges,” the agency’s program executive noted.
The RoQS program is seeking new sensor design and architecture that do not rely on bulky shields or isolation methods. Instead, it is searching potential engineering sensor approaches suppressing environmental disruptions and using compact arrays differentiating noise from meaningful signals. The program is also looking for advanced atomic systems providing greater sensor stability in dynamic scenarios.
The deadline for submission of abstracts is on Feb. 20, while full proposals are due on March 31.
In another program, DARPA set a Proposers Day in September to share the vision and goals of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative and explain the effort’s milestones and mechanics.
