Montana State University has received a $750,000 EPSCoR grant from NASA to support research aimed at reducing the effects of atmospheric turbulence in quantum laser communications between ground stations and space terminals. The project, titled “Programmable Photonics for Quantum Space Networks,” will be funded through September 2028.
The initiative builds on optical communications technologies developed by John Roudas, professor of electrical and computer engineering and principal investigator on the grant, during previous collaborations with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab. According to MSU, this NASA-funded work aligns with its ongoing quantum research activities and introduces a new focus on quantum space communications. MSU’s current infrastructure supporting quantum studies includes the Applied Quantum Core (QCORE), the MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry, and the Montana Microfabrication Facility.
“Quantum networks will enable the transmission of quantum bits, or qubits, among physically separated quantum processors and sensors, both for terrestrial and space applications,” Roudas said. “This new project will enable MSU to participate in the development of NASA’s quantum space network.”
Roudas explained that when satellites transmit data using laser beams to ground stations, atmospheric turbulence causes scintillation—an effect that makes light flicker or twinkle as seen from Earth. While photon loss in traditional laser communication can reduce signal quality, it can result in complete data erasure in quantum optical communications where single photons or entangled photon pairs are used.
The main challenge is creating compact adaptive optical equalizers that can rapidly correct distortions caused by atmospheric turbulence. “Conventional adaptive optics constitute a major obstacle to the widespread adoption of optical communications for space missions,” the MSU team wrote in their grant application abstract. “To overcome scintillation and fading, adaptive optical systems based on photonic integrated circuits can be used instead.”
MSU researchers aim to develop lightweight real-time adaptive optical equalizers that use little energy while correcting turbulence-induced distortions quickly. Programmable photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are central to this effort; they compensate for signal fading due to atmospheric conditions at lower costs compared to other technologies. PICs function similarly to electronic chips but process information using light rather than electricity. Although programmable PICs are mainly designed for high-speed computing systems, their use in space applications is one of MSU’s innovations.
“Programmable PICs can be reconfigured to perform different functions,” said Roudas, who also holds the Gilhousen Telecommunications Chair in MSU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering within the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. “A multidisciplinary team at MSU will design, simulate and experimentally characterize programmable PIC architectures for optical signal processing in future quantum space networks.”
Faculty members Brock LaMeres and Kevin Repasky from electrical and computer engineering, along with Matt Jaffe from physics, are also participating in this project. Four graduate research assistants will receive support over three years as part of the program.
“NASA is making a good investment in MSU’s interdisciplinary team working on photonic integrated circuits,” said Alison Harmon, vice president for research and development at MSU. “This is an area where our faculty have particular strength. They will have an opportunity through this and other work to make a significant contribution to quantum space communications. MSU researchers continue to advance and diversify quantum work at this university.”
NASA describes EPSCoR grants as programs designed “to enhance the research competitiveness of targeted jurisdictions by strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics – or STEM – capacity and capability through a diverse portfolio of investments from talent development to local infrastructure.” Five federal agencies administer EPSCoR programs.
Montana State University serves more than 17,000 students with over 250 undergraduate programs and 115 graduate offerings according to its official website. The university blends education with research initiatives as Montana’s land-grant institution (official website), offering access not only to labs but also outdoor resources like Yellowstone National Park (official website). Students come from both within Montana and out-of-state regions (official website).