SBIR-STTR Award

Quantum Clock Synchronization
Award last edited on: 3/31/2023

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NASA : GSFC
Total Award Amount
$124,843
Award Phase
1
Solicitation Topic Code
H9.05
Principal Investigator
James Troupe

Company Information

Xairos Systems Inc (AKA: Speqtral Quantum Technologies Inc)

1441 Little Raven Street 21003
Denver, CO 80202
   (737) 232-0450
   info@speqtralqt.com
   www.speqtralqt.com~xairos.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 01
County: Denver

Phase I

Contract Number: 80NSSC20C0395
Start Date: 8/3/2020    Completed: 3/1/2021
Phase I year
2020
Phase I Amount
$124,843
Quantum clock synchronization (QCS) uses quantum communications to accurately and securely transfer time over long distances. Using this new technology with SQT’s heritage entangled photon sources, time transfer over long distances is possible within picosecond level accuracy. And because QCS utilizes the inherent security with entangled photons, this time transfer signal cannot be spoofed. Using QCS, time transfer can occur between any two objects that have a clear spatial link. One application: increased clock accuracy for satellites outside the LEO orbit that cannot receive GPS timing signals (ref. subtopic Z8.02). Another application: secure and unspoofable time transfer for satellites, aircraft and ground stations in a GPS-denied environment (ref. subtopics S1.02 and A2.02). Speqtral Quantum Technologies, Inc. (SQT) is proposing a Phase I study of the QCS design that could eventually be turned into a demonstration mission using SQT’s heritage entangled photon sources. The current design of this source was demonstrated on the SpooQy-1 3U cubesat last year, making SQT the only company outside of China with space heritage. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Application 1: increased clock accuracy for satellites outside the LEO orbit that cannot receive GPS timing signals (ref. subtopic Z8.02) Application 2: secure and unspoofable clock synchronization for satellites and ground stations in a GPS-denied environment (ref. subtopics S1.02 and A2.02). Application 3: very accurate clock synchronization for satellites that need precision position, navigation or timing (PNT) Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Accurate timing is critical for numerous non-NASA applications, including data fusion tasks, synchronization of communication networks, accurate positioning of rapidly moving objects, and accurate time resolution for global market transactions. This benefits financial institutions, science organizations, Autonomous Driving, Aviation, Marine, Location based services (LBS), and Surveyors.

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase II year
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Phase II Amount
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