This solicitation closed on August 19, 2026

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OSW26TZ04-DV002ClosedSBIR

High-speed Photon-Number-Resolution Quanta Imaging Sensor Array

Department of DefenseOSD

AI Overview

This RFP seeks a room-temperature photon-number-resolution sensor array capable of detecting multiple simultaneous photons at GHz rates with megapixel scalability. The technology addresses quantum imaging and environmental sensing applications requiring precise photon counting while processing extreme data rates without loss.

This summary is AI-generated from the official solicitation.

Key Details

Agency
Department of Defense
Funding Amount
Release Date
July 1, 2026
Due Date
August 19, 2026 (Closed)

Official Description

Single-photon counting achieves light detection at the fundamental quantum limit, unlocking next generation capabilities in quantum imaging and environmental sensing, but achieving a higher dynamic range is needed for some applications.  For example, biomass or bathymetric lidars receive high count rates from the tree canopy or water surface leading to photon bunching (“pileup”) but can be photon starved when measuring the underlying topology. At least two general categories of Quantum Image Sen...

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Change History

Status ChangedAug 19, 2026 at 4:01 PM

High-speed Photon-Number-Resolution Quanta Imaging Sensor Array

Status changed from Open to Closed after topic disappearance

Description ChangedJul 27, 2026 at 9:02 PM

High-speed Photon-Number-Resolution Quanta Imaging Sensor Array

# Key Changes for Applicants ## Objective Shift **Previous:** Photon-Number-Resolution (PNR) pixel array with high counting rates scalable to megapixels **Updated:** Single photon counting array with higher dynamic range than current detectors **Impact:** Focus narrowed from general PNR/speed optimization to solving the specific problem of dynamic range—detecting both high-intensity and low-intensity signals simultaneously (e.g., lidar applications). ## Technical Requirements Relaxed - **Photon Counting Rate:** ≥120 MHz per pixel → **removed as explicit requirement** (now implicit in frame rate specs) - **PNR minimum:** ≥16 maintained, but ultimate performance allows trade-offs (up to 2048 PNR OR 256 PNR at different frame rates, not both required) - **EQE/PDE:** ≥60% (450-550 nm) → **≥50% (450-532 nm)**—slightly lower efficiency, narrower wavelength band - **Burst duration:** 10 µs → **

Status ChangedJul 22, 2026 at 1:03 PM

High-speed Photon-Number-Resolution Quanta Imaging Sensor Array

Status changed from Pre-Release to Open

Opportunity AddedJul 1, 2026 at 12:02 PM

High-speed Photon-Number-Resolution Quanta Imaging Sensor Array

New opportunity: High-speed Photon-Number-Resolution Quanta Imaging Sensor Array

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