DARPA young faculty award 2026, relativistic quantum fields on a chip: finite-time detection and vacuum entanglement harvesting in topological devices

The Department of the Interior Departmental Offices Interior Business Center awarded a $250,000 Cooperative Agreement to University of California, Los Angeles on September 1, 2026, under the Research and Technology Development program (CFDA 12.910) to support relativistic quantum fields research on a chip, including finite-time detection and vacuum entanglement harvesting in topological devices as part of DARPA's Young Faculty Award 2026 program.

Work is performed in Los Angeles, California with a period of performance through August 31, 2029. The Research and Technology Development program funds basic, applied, and advanced research at educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and commercial firms that may have military or dual-use applications, with awards based on competitive selection and scientific review across evaluation criteria including overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution to DARPA mission, offeror capabilities and experience, technology transition plans, and cost realism.