Ultra-Sensitive Quantum Telemetry Receiver

SBIR · Phase: BOTH · Topic DAF26BZ05-NV028 · Solicitation 26.BZ

The current constraints on telemetry frequency allocations, driven by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum auctioning to private cellular sectors, present a significant challenge for the Department of Defense (DoD), particularly within the Major Range Test and Facility Base (MRTFB) infrastructure. These challenges are further amplified in contested and congested environments, where signal fidelity, interference mitigation, and operational flexibility are critical for mission success. Traditional, or classical, telemetry systems face limitations in terms of bandwidth availability, signal sensitivity, and adaptability to shifting spectrum needs. As a result, the modernization of telemetry systems through cutting-edge technologies is essential to maintaining a competitive advantage. This SBIR topic seeks to develop and validate an ultra-sensitive quantum telemetry receiver based on quantum sensing technologies, specifically utilizing Rydberg sensors. Quantum sensors represent a transformative approach due to their extreme sensitivity and intrinsic wide-band frequency operation capabilities, enabling them to exploit underutilized portions of the spectrum without reliance on traditional licensed frequency bands. This innovation provides a dual benefit: addressing bandwidth scarcity and significantly enhancing signal detection performance across a broad operational scope. The desired outcome of this project is a fully validated prototype quantum telemetry receiver that can outperform classical systems with respect to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), operational bandwidth, and environmental adaptability. Leveraging this solution will reduce the reliance on leased spectrum channels—a cost-intensive necessity in traditional systems—and preserve investments in existing telemetry infrastructure by enabling incremental upgrades rather than full system overhauls. Furthermore, this technology aligns with Air Force modernization priorities, including the integration of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) to provide resilient, high-fidelity communications within the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) architecture. Initial TRL and Target TRL: Initial TRL (at the beginning of Phase I): TRL 2 – Technology concept and/or application formulated. Target TRL (at the end of Phase II): TRL 6 – System/subsystem model or prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment. Phase I Efforts: Conduct foundational research to define key performance parameters (KPPs) for a quantum telemetry receiver, focusing on sensitivity, bandwidth, noise mitigation, and signal fidelity. Evaluate prospective quantum-based component technologies, such as Rydberg atomic sensors, to assess feasibility and identify candidate designs for further development. Develop models and simulations to predict system performance under operational conditions, including contested electromagnetic environments. Perform initial laboratory experiments to validate core concepts and benchmark against classical telemetry systems. Phase I Minimum Deliverables: Technical report detailing requirements definition, simulation results, and initial experimental findings. Performance evaluation against baseline classical telemetry systems. Preliminary design concept document outlining a scalable path toward prototype development in Phase II. Phase II Efforts: Develop and fabricate a prototype quantum telemetry receiver utilizing selected Rydberg sensor technologies and associated subsystems. Conduct extensive validation testing under relevant environmental conditions, including broadband and high-congestion scenarios. Integrate the prototype into an existing ABMS-compatible architecture for end-to-end operational assessment. Establish transition agreements and partnerships with key Air Force stakeholders to facilitate implementation and potential production scaling. Phase II Minimum Deliverables: Prototype quantum telemetry receiver, validated through rigorous performance testing…

SBIR/STTR 은 미국 중소기업만 지원할 수 있습니다(Small Business Act 법정 요건). • 계열사를 포함해 상시 종업원 500명 이하 • 미국 시민 또는 영주권자 1인 이상이 50%를 초과해 직접 소유·지배 • 미국 내 사업장을 두고 주로 미국 내에서 사업을 영위할 것 • 수행책임자(PI)의 주된 근무처가 신청 기업일 것 출처: https://www.sbir.gov/faq/eligibility-requirements

Primary country

🇺🇸 United States

Also eligible

None

Foreign companies

No

Local entity

Required

Location condition

미국 내 사업장을 두고 미국 시민·영주권자가 50%를 초과해 소유한 중소기업만 신청할 수 있습니다(법정 요건).

Document requirements were not captured (needs verification). Check the official announcement.

Application process not captured.

Evaluation process not captured.

Process steps were not captured.

Generated by local:rules-v1 · 3h ago

The announcement does not say what has to be submitted, so the disclosure exposure cannot be judged. the scope of the material requested is not stated. The awarding body is U.S. Department of War — USAF. 8 fields could not be read and must be checked in the announcement and the grant agreement.

This assessment is derived from the stored announcement, document and contract fields. Anything the source does not state is marked "needs verification" — it never asserts that your idea will be taken. Generated by local:rules-v1 · 3h ago

Official URL

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Application URL

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Last fetched

2026.08.20

Human review

Not reviewed — check the official announcement

First seen

2026.08.20

Data status

Auto-collected, not reviewed

AI enrichment

local:rules-v1 · 3h ago