BAE Systems’ FAST Labs research organization and the Air Force Research Laboratory have signed a 3-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement to advance quantum sensing and networking.
“This agreement will enable us to push the boundaries of quantum sensing and networking,” said Jane Heyes, principal scientist at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “Working with the Air Force Research Laboratory advances new possibilities for enhanced soldier communications, spectrum awareness, and electronic warfare.”
BAE Systems said the collaboration will refine and integrate new technologies into quantum sensors, networks and distributed sensing research to strengthen defense and civilian security.
“We look forward to industry collaboration which leverages AFRL expertise in quantum networking in concert with industry side expertise in quantum sensing,” said Dr. Erin C. Sheridan, research physicist in quantum information science at AFRL. “Combining multiples of these quantum RF sensors into an array is an exciting area of research in quantum sensing that will deliver new capabilities for the warfighter.”
Under the CRADA, BAE Systems’ FAST Labs will develop quantum RF sensors using Rydberg atoms, which enable frequency-independent sensing suited for smaller platforms. The effort will also combine multiple RF antennas to conduct measurements critical to a wide range of defense applications.
Work will be carried out at BAE Systems’ Merrimack, New Hampshire, site, AFRL’s Information Directorate in Rome, New York, and an AFRL field test site in Stockbridge, New York.