Quantum, Photonics & Computing

BBN operates at the intersection of physics, engineering and computer science, pushing the boundaries of quantum technologies, next-gen computing and photonics. By pioneering novel quantum and classical computing architectures and applying unique characterization techniques, BBN is working to enable future coprocessors that can solve complex real-world problems. To support the growing quantum ecosystem, BBN offers commercial components that address critical supply chain needs. The team is also developing integrated photonic systems for optical computing, advanced imaging, compact quantum sensing platforms, and biophotonics applications. Through these efforts, BBN is disrupting traditional computing and sensing paradigms to deliver scalable, high-performance solutions powered by advancements in novel computing, photonics, quantum computing and quantum sensing.

Novel computing 

To make real-time, cost-effective computation more accessible in critical settings, BBN explores novel computing techniques that deliver significant energy savings and reduce training and inference costs. By accelerating complex computations and lowering energy demands, these superconducting, optical and hybrid photonic-electronic platforms naturally perform key mathematical operations such as convolutions and matrix-vector multiplication, allowing for faster, more efficient processing. BBN’s platforms address the growing challenge of scaling AI and other resource-intensive tasks by lowering operational barriers.

Photonics

BBN advances next-generation photonic technology to overcome the size, weight, power and performance limitations of traditional bulk optics and electronics. Through theoretical and applied physics-based approaches, BBN's research focuses on integrated photonics, hybrid photonic-electronic platforms and optical microsystems across both classical and quantum domains. Key technologies include photonic integrated circuits, nonlinear photonics, quantum sensors and modern electromagnetic devices. These advancements are transforming photonics-based information sensing, processing and transmission, with applications spanning image sensing, signal processing, laser communications, novel computing, secure networking and more.

Showcase Program

DARPA’s Intensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration with Revolutionary Detection (INSPIRED)

Program goal

Enhance environmental awareness by developing a next-generation, compact, low-power, deployable photonic sensor that offers more than 10 times the precision of current sensors.

Challenge

Optical detectors are crucial for converting light into signals for technologies like fiber-optic communication, biological imaging and navigation sensors, but their sensitivity is limited by quantum noise. This affects the detection of faint signals in precision-demanding applications. The inherent randomness of light fluctuations, known as shot noise, limits the precision and performance of current sensors. Achieving a detection sensitivity 16 dB below the shot-noise limit is critical for improving the accuracy of light-based measurements.

Solution

Increase precision by developing a photonic chip that generates squeezed light to surpass shot-noise limitations. The chip aims to harness quantum mechanics to fine-tune light generation. This project is in collaboration with Xanadu Quantum, the University of Maryland and Raytheon’s Advanced Technology business.

Benefit

Decision-makers gain more reliable information from a breakthrough that seeks to boost the accuracy, sensitivity, resolution and efficiency of sensors for applications such as biosensing and autonomous navigation.

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Quantum computing

To unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing, BBN addresses the key challenges that limit the scalability and performance of current quantum devices. By improving qubit performance, optimizing control mechanisms and reducing noise and loss in superconducting circuits, BBN is advancing the future adoption of quantum systems for practical, real-world applications. The team also explores innovative algorithms such as quantum reservoir computing to enable real-time data processing.

Showcase Program

Quantum Computing in the Solid State with Spin and Superconducting Systems 

Program goal

Develop advanced techniques to localize and probe defects that contribute to loss and decoherence in superconducting qubits and circuits.

Challenge

Superconducting circuits are highly sensitive to microscale and nanoscale defects caused by material imperfections and fabrication damage. Existing characterization methods fall short in locating and understanding the impact of these defects on qubit performance, limiting the ability to optimize qubit reliability. 

Solution

Unique cryogenic scanning probe techniques are being developed to precisely map and measure defects in superconducting qubits. In collaboration with the Harvard University Department of Physics and the University of California, Irvine, this approach supports high-throughput defect localization and advanced materials characterization to improve qubit quality.

Benefit

If successful, this technology will improve qubit stability and enhance the reliability of quantum computing systems by enabling precise identification of defects that degrade qubit quality, supporting optimized qubit fabrication and the development of advanced mitigation techniques.

The project or effort depicted was or is supported by the U.S. Army Research Office (ARO). The content of the information does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the U.S. government, and no official endorsement should be inferred.

Quantum sensing

BBN delivers highly sensitive, compact quantum sensing solutions that enable mission success in GPS-denied and contested environments. These next-generation technologies achieve measurements with quantum-limited precision and accuracy across a wide range of applications, including electromagnetic field sensing, navigation, imaging and RF communications. BBN advances sensing capabilities beyond classical limits by leveraging solid-state platforms such as integrated photonics, nitrogen-vacancy color centers and nonclassical light generation. Through the integration of novel materials, photonics and electronics, BBN develops robust sensors optimized for small form-factor platforms and complex operational demands.

Showcase Program

Electronic-Photonic Quantum Enabled Sensing (ELOQUENSE)

Program goal

Develop compact, low-power quantum sensors for GPS-denied navigation, RF sensing and other critical applications. 

Challenge

Current quantum sensors face limitations in size, weight and power, often requiring cryogenic cooling to operate. This cooling requirement not only increases size and power demands but also limits their practicality in real-world applications. Many quantum sensors also struggle to maintain high sensitivity and reliability in complex environments, degrading under conditions such as vibrations, environmental noise and other disruptive factors. 

Solution

Develop cutting-edge quantum sensors that operate at room temperature, eliminating the need for cryogenic cooling. By integrating solid-state quantum spins with photonic integrated circuits and electronics, this approach enables the creation of highly sensitive, compact and reliable quantum sensors capable of performing in demanding scenarios.

Benefit

These advancements aim to boost situational awareness and operational effectiveness in challenging, real-world environments.

Quantum components and solutions

To support the next generation of quantum technologies, BBN develops high-performance components essential for large-scale, utility-ready quantum systems. Backed by a world-class team of experts, BBN transforms cutting-edge research into real-world solutions, including superconducting parametric amplifiers and filters engineered to meet the demands of quantum applications.

parametric amplifier device on blue background

Wide-Band Josephson Parametric Amplifier (WB-JPA)

BBN’s parametric amplifiers improve signal quality by minimizing unwanted noise, allowing for precise qubit control and optimized performance of quantum systems. Designed for superconducting qubits, these broadband amplifiers provide high-fidelity readouts across multiple frequencies and approach the fundamental limits on added noise, strengthening the performance and robustness of quantum applications.

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