SBIR-STTR Award

Quantum Sensor for Direction Finding and Geolocation
Award last edited on: 7/14/2023

Sponsored Program
STTR
Awarding Agency
DOD : AF
Total Award Amount
$899,872
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
AF17A-T028
Principal Investigator
Patrick Truitt

Company Information

HYPRES Inc (AKA: PlusN LLC)

175 Clearbrook Road
Elmsford, NY 10523
   (914) 592-1190
   technology@hypres.com
   www.hypres.com

Research Institution

University of California - Riverside

Phase I

Contract Number: FA8650-18-P-1124
Start Date: 10/25/2017    Completed: 6/30/2018
Phase I year
2018
Phase I Amount
$149,980
In this STTR phase I, HYPRES and University of California Riverside will demonstrate the feasibility of a three-dimensional electromagnetic (EM) sensor for accurate vector sensing and geo-location of complex RF emitters exploiting the novel quantum electrodynamic properties stemming from innovations in superconducting nanoelectronics specifically in utilizing direct-write, high temperature superconducting (HTS) nano-Josephson junction (nano-JJ) SQUID sensors configured using our patented anti-gradiometer technique. The SQUID technology is based on direct-write technique using helium focused helium ion beam (FHB). We will develop analytical solutions for a three-dimensional EM sensor that exhibit quantum properties. We will incorporate these properties into direction finding (DF) and geo location energy vector formulations for an enhanced representation of an RF signal with respect to time accuracy. We will design a three-dimensional quantum-based EM sensor with accompanying complex EM vector signal formulations using our patent-pending Anti-gradiometer DF approach.We will develop and apply a powerful 3D program to simulate DF circuits based on nano-JJ technology enabled by HTS SQUIDs made with FHD process. Designs will be simulated, designed and evaluated. The project will lead to the development of high-sensitivity instrumentation with superior performance, small cost, weight, size and power with high commercial potential.

Phase II

Contract Number: FA8650-19-C-1010
Start Date: 11/28/2018    Completed: 11/28/2020
Phase II year
2019
Phase II Amount
$749,892
Innovations in materials and nanoelectronics have made it possible to measure electromagnetic signals with unprecedented precision and near quantum limited sensitivity. Magnetic field sensors such as superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) have been theoretically explored by the Air Force for high frequency direction finding (HFDF) applications. The objective of this project is to facilitate experimental evaluation of such systems by a) building and testing a quantum based EM sensor that exhibits superior detection of RF signals, and b) developing code that processing signals from multiple such sensors to demonstrate proof-of-concept utility in a direction finding task. The outcome of this project will be a complete quantum based EM sensor, including readout electronics and output specifications, that can be used for further experimental evaluation of such systems for advanced direction finding and geolocation algorithms.