The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking industry input on an advanced system to support next-generation research in laser sensing, LiDAR, optical communications, and infrared sensing.
The effort supports a planned modernization of the AFRL Sensors Directorate’s photon detection equipment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, which is becoming obsolete relative to evolving research needs.
“The government’s existing photon detection infrastructure… is technologically insufficient to meet current and modernizing research objectives,” the laboratory stated.
“The legacy systems lack the critical combination of multi-channel detection, high quantum efficiency/sensitivity, robust signal amplification, and integrated digital processing.”
Discrete Amplification Photon Detector
AFRL specified that it is looking for a Discrete Amplification Photon Detector (DAPD) array receiver capable of detecting extremely weak optical signals near the 1,550-nanometer wavelength.
That solution is widely used in laser communications and deep space telemetry, where it reads photon counts and turns them into measurable electrical signals.
The system must provide a minimum of 25 independent detection channels, integrated digital signal processing, and accurate timing for applications including optical ranging, photon counting, lidar, and sensor characterization.
AFRL also requires software tools, application programming interfaces, and compatibility with existing laboratory equipment to support automation and future upgrades.
The laboratory clarified that the DAPD notice is part of a market survey and does not represent a procurement commitment.
Responses are due by late July and will help AFRL assess available commercial technologies before deciding on a potential acquisition.
