NSF Org:	ECCS Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems
Recipient:	UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
Initial Amendment Date:	August 20, 2024
Latest Amendment Date:	August 20, 2024
Award Number:	2406666
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Richard Nash rnash@nsf.gov  (703)292-5394 ECCS  Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems ENG  Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	October 1, 2024
End Date:	September 30, 2027 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$697,870.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$697,870.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 2024 = $697,870.00
History of Investigator:	Sarah Sharif (Principal Investigator) s.sh@ou.edu Yaser Banad (Co-Principal Investigator) Qinggong Tang (Co-Principal Investigator) Joseph Tischler (Co-Principal Investigator) Alisa Javadi (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	University of Oklahoma Norman Campus 660 PARRINGTON OVAL RM 301 NORMAN OK  US  73019-3003 (405)325-4757
Sponsor Congressional District:	04
Primary Place of Performance:	University of Oklahoma Norman Campus 660 PARRINGTON OVAL RM 301 NORMAN OK  US  73019-3003
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	04
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	EVTSTTLCEWS5
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s):	Major Research Instrumentation, SSA-Special Studies & Analysis
Primary Program Source:	01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s):	1189, 9150
Program Element Code(s):	118900, 138500
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.041, 47.083

ABSTRACT

This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award establishes a state-of-the-art shared research facility at the University of Oklahoma (OU) centered around a cutting-edge Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector (SNSPD) system. Supported by the NSF Division of Electrical, Communications, and Cyber Systems, this technology represents a significant advancement in detecting extremely faint light signals, even at the level of individual photons, from a broad range of light sources. This capability is crucial for advancing multiple fields of science and engineering with significant national impact, including quantum technology, nanophotonics, and biomedical imaging. By making this technology readily available to researchers and students at OU, neighboring universities, industries, and across the region, this project will accelerate discoveries with the potential to revolutionize secure communication, enhance medical diagnostics, improve the energy efficiency of computing, and more. Furthermore, the project integrates the SNSPD system into educational programs, enriching annual workshops with close collaboration with vendors and the OU Center for Quantum Research and Technology (CQRT). These workshops will facilitate research collaboration and enhance our academic curricula, leading to the training of a new generation of scientists and engineers equipped to tackle complex challenges and drive technological innovation for the benefit of society.

This project funds the acquisition and implementation of a multi-channel Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector (SNSPD) system. This state-of-the-art technology pushes the boundaries of light detection, capable of sensing extremely faint signals ? even individual photons ? with remarkable precision and speed. The SNSPD system boasts a high detection efficiency exceeding 85%, exceptional timing jitter under 15 picoseconds, a count rate exceeding 80 MHz, and a dark count rate below 10 Hz. Designed for accessibility and collaborative use, the system features a closed-cycle cryostat, ensuring stable low-temperature operation essential for the nanowires' superconductivity. This eliminates the reliance on liquid helium, enabling user-friendly operation, low maintenance, and extended operational life beyond 10,000 hours. Multiple users can access the system simultaneously through fiber-optics connections to individual channels, making it a versatile resource for a wide range of research endeavors. The system operates across a wide range of spectrum, spanning from 800 nm to 2200 nm, unlocks unique opportunities across diverse scientific fields such as quantum experiments (800-1700 nm), advances high-speed and neuromorphic photonics (980-2200 nm), and biological deep-tissue imaging (1600-2000 nm). Beyond research, the project emphasizes education, collaboration, and outreach. By integrating the SNSPD system into workshops and both existing and new courses, the SNSPD system will become a powerful tool for STEM education. This initiative will promote interdisciplinary collaboration, attract top talent to OU, and broaden participation from underrepresented groups in cutting-edge scientific research.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

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