Postdoctoral Position | AFRL-Kirtland, Space Vehicles Directorate

Our research group is developing a series of technologies related to atomic systems and integrated photonics for applications in position, navigation, and timing. Integrated photonic and atomic systems have shown great promise in terms of reducing the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of sensors, as well as increasing their robustness to environmental perturbations.

(1) Our chip scale optical clock project focuses on the two-photon rubidium transitions [1] with an emphasis on miniaturization and enhanced performance.

(2) Our microresonator-based frequency comb [2] project focuses on increasing pump-to-comb conversion efficiency and electronically readable repetition rates to meet future size, weight, and power (SWaP) needs.

(3) Our electro-optic time transfer [3] program focuses developing novel architectures and algorithms to reduce the SWaP of the typical system while adding new capabilities.

(4) Our gyroscopes program focuses on developing stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) gyroscopes [4] with improved sensitivity and manufacturability.

We work closely with academia, industry, and other government agencies on these topics to ensure direct and fast-paced developments.

 

 

[1] R. Beard, K. W. Martin, J. D. Elgin, B. L. Kasch, S. P. Krzyzewski, “Two-photon rubidium clock detecting 776 nm fluorescence,” Opt. Express 32, 7417-7425 (2024).

[2] Briles, Travis C. and Yu, Su-Peng and Drake, Tara E. and Stone, Jordan R. and Papp, Scott B, “Generating Octave-Bandwidth Soliton Frequency Combs with Compact Low-Power Semiconductor Lasers,” Phys. Rev. Appl. 14, 014006 (2020).

[3] Joshua L. Olson "Sub-picosecond optical time transfer with electro-optic frequency combs", Proc. SPIE PC12912, Quantum Sensing, Imaging, and Precision Metrology II, PC129123J (13 March 2024).

[4] Lai, Y., Suh, M., Lu, Y., Shen, B., Yang, Q., Wang, H., Li, J., Lee, S., Yang, K., and Vahala, K., "Earth rotation measured by a chip-scale ring laser gyroscope," Nature Photonics (14), pgs 345-349 (2020).

key words

Atomic clocks, Optical clocks; Nonlinear optics; Integrated photonics; Frequency standards; Inertial sensing; Frequency combs; Microresonator; Gyroscopes

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants