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Grant: Alliance Grants

University of Waterloo

$317,100.00

Quantum Rydberg Exciton Radars (REX-R)

FY 2022-23

Summary
We propose to develop quantum Rydberg-exciton radars (REX-R) in partnership with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). Radars detect, track, identify, image, and classify designated objects by means of sensing electromagnetic waves reflected from objects and processing the received signals. Various radars across the full frequency range are ubiquitous and increasingly more so in the modern era of security surveillance, vehicle speed estimation, weather condition monitoring, biological signal sensing, and military operations. Recently, the demand for versatile and sensitive radars continues to grow for resolving complicated and adversary situations. The team with 11 highly-qualified personnel from diverse backgrounds targets to build REX-R as faster, smaller, cheaper, and smarter radars by exploiting fundamental quantum principles embodied in the underlying operational physics, completely distinct from the existing technologies. Since REX-R uses semiconductors, it can be scalable for massive arrays with advanced nanofabrication processing techniques. A self-calibration feature of REX-R enables versatile adaptability. Furthermore, we will incorporate intelligent machine-learning-inspired signal processing protocols. We will closely collaborate with DRDC experts to pursue both experimental and theoretical endeavors ranging from REX-R prototype designs, systematic characterization, and advanced signal processing schemes in Dr. Kim's Lab and DRDC's Quantum Labs. The successful demonstration of REX-R will be recognized as the first pioneering work of Rydberg sensors with semiconductors and completely new solutions for future real-world radars. This program will offer ample scientific and technological opportunities for quantum sensors and helps strengthen Canada's global leadership in quantum information science through a systematic training program for Canada's quantum workforce. Innovation and discovery carried out in this proposal are anticipated to found start-up companies geared toward commercialization while creating intelligent jobs in the most advanced technology. Our research will give a lasting impact on Canada's society and economy, beyond the invention of new radar technologies.
Program
Alliance Grants
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data

As published

Application id
580745-2022
Name nom
Kim, Na Young NY
Department département
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Organization id
33
Institution établissement
University of Waterloo
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2022
Competition year année de concours
2022
Award amount
317100
Program id
ALLRP
Program name en
Alliance Grants
Program name fr
Subventions Alliance
Group en
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Group fr
PARTENARIATS DE RECHERCHE
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
9999
Area of application group en
Not available
Area of application group fr
Non disponible
Area of application en
Not available
Area of application fr
Non disponible
Research subject code
2522
Research subject group en
Electrical and electronic engineering
Research subject group fr
Génie électrique et électronique
Research subject en
Radar and navigation
Research subject fr
Radars et navigation
Installment
inst:1;2
Partie
2
Nb partie
2
Application title
Quantum Rydberg Exciton Radars (REX-R)
Application summary
We propose to develop quantum Rydberg-exciton radars (REX-R) in partnership with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). Radars detect, track, identify, image, and classify designated objects by means of sensing electromagnetic waves reflected from objects and processing the received signals. Various radars across the full frequency range are ubiquitous and increasingly more so in the modern era of security surveillance, vehicle speed estimation, weather condition monitoring, biological signal sensing, and military operations. Recently, the demand for versatile and sensitive radars continues to grow for resolving complicated and adversary situations. The team with 11 highly-qualified personnel from diverse backgrounds targets to build REX-R as faster, smaller, cheaper, and smarter radars by exploiting fundamental quantum principles embodied in the underlying operational physics, completely distinct from the existing technologies. Since REX-R uses semiconductors, it can be scalable for massive arrays with advanced nanofabrication processing techniques. A self-calibration feature of REX-R enables versatile adaptability. Furthermore, we will incorporate intelligent machine-learning-inspired signal processing protocols. We will closely collaborate with DRDC experts to pursue both experimental and theoretical endeavors ranging from REX-R prototype designs, systematic characterization, and advanced signal processing schemes in Dr. Kim's Lab and DRDC's Quantum Labs. The successful demonstration of REX-R will be recognized as the first pioneering work of Rydberg sensors with semiconductors and completely new solutions for future real-world radars. This program will offer ample scientific and technological opportunities for quantum sensors and helps strengthen Canada's global leadership in quantum information science through a systematic training program for Canada's quantum workforce. Innovation and discovery carried out in this proposal are anticipated to found start-up companies geared toward commercialization while creating intelligent jobs in the most advanced technology. Our research will give a lasting impact on Canada's society and economy, beyond the invention of new radar technologies.
University of Waterloo - $317,100 Grant (2022-23) | Canada Spends