GOLETA, Calif. - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) needed a company to develop quantum dot photonic integrated circuits (PICs) on silicon. They found their solution from Aeluma, Inc. in Goleta, Calif. Aeluma, a semiconductor company specializing in advanced technologies for defense, aerospace, and quantum computing, has been awarded a contract by NASA to support next-generation space and aerospace applications, including free-space laser communication, autonomous navigation, and precision sensing.
Under the agreement, Aeluma will work with NASA to create silicon-based photonic circuits incorporating quantum dot technology. This approach aims to enhance optical performance in demanding environments, addressing the need for precise, energy-efficient solutions in space missions and autonomous systems.
"This NASA contract is a significant milestone for Aeluma and reaffirms the groundbreaking potential of our quantum dot photonic technology," said Dr. Jonathan Klamkin, founder and CEO of Aeluma. "We believe our collaboration with NASA will drive major advancements in critical aerospace applications and expand application possibilities in AI-driven systems, such as optical interconnects for data centers and high-performance computing."
Related: The promise of laser communications to revolutionize optical links
Beyond aerospace, the quantum dot PICs hold promise for applications in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and cloud data centers, where fast, energy-efficient optical interconnects are increasingly essential. Aeluma’s silicon photonics platform is designed to meet the demands of next-generation AI workloads and data-heavy systems.
The partnership with NASA highlights Aeluma's focus on developing scalable photonic technologies for widespread use, combining quantum dot innovation with silicon-based platforms to advance capabilities in AI, computing, and aerospace infrastructure.
