Job Title : Quantum Networking Metrology Support Architect/Engineer.

The procurement for Quantum Networking Metrology Support requires one Personnel designated as a computer scientist. This individual must meet the following minimum qualification standards:

• PhD in Quantum Physics.
• Eight (8) years of experience in conducting quantum experiments.
• Eight (8) years of experience in the independent design, efficient implementation, and testing of all aspects of a quantum system.
• Five (5) years of experience working with quantum apparatus, specifically regarding control and stability for phase characterization and stabilization.
• Five (5) years of experience working on quantum hardware development for quantum experiments.

Evaluation and Administrative Requirements

• Resume Submission: Quoters must submit a resume for the proposed key personnel that details how they meet or exceed these minimum standards.
• Substitutions: The contractor must obtain prior written consent from the Contracting Officer before making any substitutions for key personnel.
• Replacement Qualifications: Any replacement must possess qualifications equal to or exceeding those of the person being replaced.
• Notification Period: Requests for substitutions must be submitted at least 15 working days before the change is made, including a detailed explanation and a complete resume for the substitute.

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The core technical goals for quantum metrology support, as outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), are centered on developing protocols, measurement techniques, and tools to accelerate the adoption of quantum communications,.

The three main objectives for the contractor are:

1. Develop a Quantum Engineering Lab for Metrology Experiments

The contractor is responsible for establishing the foundational infrastructure for a new Quantum Engineering Laboratory. Key activities include:

• Planning research initiatives and providing recommendations for necessary instruments and devices.
• Performing the instrumentation and setup required for quantum devices.
• Conducting experiments with connections to established testbeds like PQNI and DC-QNet.
• Training junior staff on quantum networking concepts, specifically through weekly classes on "information in photon".

2. Develop and Perform Entanglement Swapping Experiments

A primary technical requirement is the development of a polarization entangled source suitable for swapping. This involves:

• Developing indistinguishable entangled sources by optimizing pulse width and spectral performance.
• Performing two-photon interference between independent sources and evaluating visibility to ensure high-quality indistinguishability.
• Testing and evaluating commercial polarization entangled sources to determine if they are viable for swapping and scalable quantum networks.

3. Enable Phase Sensitive Communication Protocols

The contractor must develop the technical capability to support protocols that are sensitive to phase. This includes:

• Developing miniature, ultra-stable lasers (operating at 1550 nm) and stabilizing them using NIST-designed, rugged, small-footprint cavities,.
• Evaluating critical laser parameters such as phase noise, spectral width, and coherence length to meet performance standards.
• Improving performance by locking lasers with external optical cavities.

4. Coherent Faint Light Communication

An additional technical goal is to enable coherent faint light communication over a local area quantum network. This involves evaluating the progress and acceptability of these communication techniques within the network architecture.

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