Beyond GPS - Quantum Solutions for Next-Generation Multi-Static Radar Systems

This Challenge notice is issued under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program Call for Proposals (CFP) Call 006 (W7714-248676/A).

Solicitation Documents reference: See “Bidding details” section.
*For additional general information on the IDEaS Program, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-i…
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This challenge is open to receive proposals for Component 1a, Component 1b and Component 2. Proposed solutions that fall within technology readiness levels (TRL) 1-9 can be submitted to this challenge.
Steps to apply:
Step 1: read this challenge
Step 2: read the Call for Proposals : See “Bidding details” section
Step 3: propose your solution here : https://defence-innovation-portal.my.site.com/
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Maximum Funding and Performance Period

Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge.

The individual maximum contract funding available under Component 1a (TRL 1 to 3) is up to $250,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of up to 6 months.
The maximum individual contract funding available under Component 1b (TRL 4 and 5) is up to $1,500,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of 12 months.
The maximum individual contract funding available under Component 2 (TRL 6 to 9) is up to $5,000,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes). The period of performance will be determined at the time of contract negotiation.
The maximum individual contractual funding and the maximum performance period offered under Component 3 will be determined by Canada at the time of contract negotiation.
This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to contract for the total approximate funding.
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Challenge Details

Challenge Title: W7714-248676/005 - Beyond GPS- Quantum solutions for next generation multistatic radar systems

The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are seeking a quantum optics solution for phase synchronization between local radar oscillators where the transmitters and receivers are separated by long distances in a netted radar system, to ensure accurate targets’ detection and measurement. A netted radar system is a collection of multiple spatially diverse radars with overlapping coverage areas.

Background and context

Bistatic (separate transmitter and receiver) and multi-static (multiple transmit-receive pairs) radars offer several benefits over monostatic (co-located transmitter and receiver) radars. Essentially, they offer the opportunity to observe a target from multiple angles yielding different radar cross-sections, often larger than in the monostatic case. Combining the information from multiple receivers (whether bistatic, multi-static or monostatic) has the potential to yield a complete vector describing target behaviour, hence increasing detectability and trackability. Such performance enhancements are the results of the cooperation and data-fusion between spatially separated nodes of the netted radar system; however, to enable cooperation and data-fusion, some degree of node-to-node time and frequency synchronisation is critical.

A cost-effective solution to the problem of synchronization phase between distant local radar oscillators, is to use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Global Positioning System (GPS) Disciplined Oscillators (GPSDO). Due to the proliferation of GPS denial technologies, GPS cannot be relied upon in defence applications. Quantum optics-based solutions are of interest because Quantum physics shows promise in delivering solutions that provide reliable timing solutions without relying on GPS.

In the defence context, the complete vector describing the behavior of the target needs to be both timely and accurate. Timeliness is required for Actionable Based Intelligence to be generated in a useful time frame to support decision making. Accuracy is required for the effective deployment of countermeasures. These countermeasures can take many forms ranging from the launch of intercept aircraft, the cueing of other sensors, or the deployment of self-defence effects. The effective utility of the generated intelligence, or the deployed countermeasures is fully dependent upon the completeness and accuracy of the vector describing target behavior. A solution provided by a multi-static radar system that exploits quantum optics-based synchronization will enable improved detection of lower radar cross section targets and provide earlier warning on incoming threats.

Essential outcomes

We are seeking quantum optics-based solutions to ensure precise synchronization of time and frequency and minimized phase noise; in fiber-networked multi-static radar systems, where nodes (i.e. radars) are separated by tens or hundreds of kilometers.

Proposed solutions must:
• Utilize a quantum/optical clock for absolute reference with Allan deviation of 10-15 over 1 second, or lower;
• Demonstrate deviation in carrier frequencies less than 10-9 Hz;
• Achieve a phase synchronization error not exceeding 1 degree; and
• Achieve a time synchronization error not exceeding 1 nanosecond (ns).

Desired outcomes

Proposed solutions should consider attributes such as, but not limited to, the following:
• Locked Radio Frequency (RF) oscillators with quality factor greater than 109.
• Distance between RF oscillators greater than 100 km.
• Demonstrate fiber-based phase distribution between two different RF local oscillators.
• Quantum-safe (i.e. secure and trusted against attacks from the threats posed by Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computers).

Additional information

Bistatic and multi-static radars present significant challenges due to the stringent requirements for time, frequency, and phase synchronization. These requirements are critical for achieving precise radar range resolution and target Doppler (radial velocity) resolution. For instance, a radar system with a 1-meter range resolution necessitates a timing accuracy of 0.33 ns. Also, a 1 Hz deviation in a 1 GHz carrier frequency will result in a velocity error of 0.3 m/s of the moving target.