Nonlinear Optical Converters for Next-Generation Optical Clocks (NOCNOC)

We propose to develop Nonlinear Optical Converters for Next-Generation Optical Clocks (NOCNOC). The NOCNOC project will address a critical NASA need for ultra-stable timekeeping in space-based environments by significantly reducing the size, weight, power-consumption, and cost (SWaP-C) of the laser subsystems that currently restrict optical-based clock technologies to the laboratory environment. Our key innovation is the development of a photonic-integrated circuit platform for harmonic frequency conversion to visible and near-ultraviolet wavelengths with record efficiency. While a major strength of the proposed platform is its general applicability to many key quantum systems, NOCNOC will specifically target integration with a Sr+ ion clock targeted for spacecraft use. Phase 1 funding will support subsystem design and modeling, while also de-risking experimental challenges related to thin-film preparation. Beyond NASA, commercial markets for this technology include quantum information processing, secure communications, remote sensing, and spectroscopy.