Montana State University news today: secures $750k NASA deal
Montana State University news today
MSU's $750,000 NASA research grant to develop quantum communication technologies for space applications puts Montana at the forefront of the next telecommunications revolution. The program, “Programmable Photonics for Quantum Space Networks,” aims to bypass Earth's atmosphere's disruption of deep-space data transmission.
Resolving the “Twinkle” Issue
The project by MSU electrical and computer engineering professor John Roudas examines scintillation. Satellite laser beams to ground stations flash like stars in Earth's chaotic atmosphere.
Quantum communication is sensitive, yet laser communication can endure signal fading. Qubits are sent by quantum networks using single or entangled photons. These systems can lose data due to atmospheric turbulence, making long-distance communication impractical without new interventions.
Innovative Programmable Photonic ICs
MSU is building tiny, real-time adaptive optical equalizers to address this. Conventional adaptive optics are too heavy or slow for space missions. MSU employs PICs.
Light-based PICs are unique because they process data without electricity like computers. These chips use light to dynamically rectify signal fading caused by atmospheric turbulence at a fraction of the cost and energy of other solutions. Using programmable PICs for space-based quantum networks is one of the most unique aspects of MSU.
Building a “Quantum Internet”
This research has far-reaching effects beyond satellite communications. MSU's long-distance quantum state preservation lays the groundwork for a quantum internet. In this global infrastructure, quantum repeaters would retain quantum entanglement and memory over long distances to protect space data.
There are huge benefits for global communication infrastructure and national security. Entanglement and QKD create eavesdrop-resistant quantum communication channels. NASA's complex space exploration and satellite networks will require secure, high-speed channels.
A multidisciplinary powerhouse
A diverse team of university personnel is working on the project. Professor Roudas is joined by Electrical and Computer Engineering's Brock LaMeres, Kevin Repasky, and Physics' Matt Jaffe. MSU Spectrum Lab researchers in quantum memory and entanglement-based networking are also involved.
This project builds on Montana State's momentum in the field. The institution invested years building the Applied Quantum Core (QCORE), MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry, and Montana Microfabrication Facility for quantum research. Roudas's NASA research builds on his optical communication technologies developed with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab.
Montana's Future Investment
NASA's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) funds STEM research in counties. EPSCoR funds talent development and local infrastructure, so MSU may help NASA missions.
NASA funding demonstrates MSU's transdisciplinary competence, according to research and development vice president Alison Harmon. Harmon said, “This is an area where our faculty have particular strength.” “This and other work will allow them to make a significant contribution to quantum space communications”.
The project will finance four graduate research assistants for three years, offering future scientists experience. Montana State University leads the global quantum frontier as researchers connect Earth and the cosmos.