Exploring ultrafast pulses and ferro-electrical nonlinear integrated photonic circuits

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) awarded $705,139 to Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL) under the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program (CFDA 12.800) for the project "Exploring Ultrafast Pulses and Ferro-Electrical Nonlinear Integrated Photonic Circuits." The five-year project, effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2030, supports fundamental and applied scientific research in advanced photonic technologies designed to maintain U.S. technological superiority. EPFL will conduct research exploring ultrafast pulse dynamics and ferroelectric nonlinear optical phenomena within integrated photonic circuit architectures, contributing to the Department of the Air Force's mission capabilities in advanced electronics and photonic systems.

This award reflects the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program's strategic focus on sustaining a strong research infrastructure through partnerships with leading international research institutions. EPFL's established expertise in photonic integrated circuit development, quantum information science, and electrical engineering aligns with the program's objectives to foster innovation in critical defense-related scientific areas. The research performance will occur at EPFL's facility in Switzerland, consistent with the program's support for research conducted at accredited educational institutions and demonstrating the Air Force's commitment to collaborative international scientific partnerships.