Description: Under this Phase II-Extension, ColdQuanta proposes to design and build the Quantum Atomic Lattice Module (QuALM), a compact 1064 nm optical lattice module for trapping an atom ensemble, and the Quantum Repeater Atomic Memory Module (QuRAMM), a 795 nm laser system used to print quantum information on an atomic ensemble for memory storage and retrieval. The modules will be integrated with the Quantum Cold Atom Laboratory (QuCAL) platform producing a research-grade quantum repeater system. Also integrated into the QuCAL will be the Phase II generated quantum memory physics package. All together the system will preserve and recall quantum information in the spin wave of a lattice-trapped atomic ensemble for quantum communication network applications. The complete system will be delivered to NASA for validation in an environment relevant to currently proposed future communication networks. The QuALM contains a 1064nm fiber laser with intensity and timing control used to confine the atom motion. This laser creates the coherence spin wave to store coherence information in the quantum memory. The QuRAMM will generate two hyperfine states resonant frequency components for writing and reading entangled information. To preserve the high fidelity of encoded quantum information, the module design will ensure the write and read pulses are phase coherent. Coherence phase locking or phase modulation techniques will be employed. QuALM will be able to support most optical dipole trap applications and QuRAMM will be able to support a wide variety of transition processes using the phase coherent laser pulses. Applications such as free-space atom accelerometers utilizing stimulated-Raman process, lattice-based gravimeters, and Ramsey-type atomic clocks can be enabled by simply replacing the laser diode to 780nm (or 852 nm for Cs) and shifting the electronically controlled laser lock frequency.

Benefits: NASA has identified a roadmap for quantum communication technology development in order to provably secure space-to-ground and space-to-space information transmission. The Chinese MICIUS satellite demonstration has proved conclusively the use of quantum protocols for secure space-based communication. The innovation proposed here will enable NASA to construct quantum networks that can surpass current demonstrations by enabling long-distance space-based secure communications.

The proposed innovations enable direct support for quantum network links between ground stations, which may be used to improve commercial QKD systems. The developed modules may be adapted for applications like inertial sensing, gravimetry, gravity-gradiometry and timekeeping. The versatility of the modular technology positions it well for rapid integration into existing quantum technologies.