Atomically Precise Molecules (APM)

DARPA’s Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) program seeks innovative proposals to develop programmable‑precision polymer synthesis methods that enable revolutionary nonlinear‑optical (NLO) materials and integrate them into electro‑optic modulators. The effort is split into a 12‑month Phase I (new chemistries, polymer library, early NLO demo) and a 24‑month Phase II (scalable production, device integration, advanced NLO performance). The contract is an Other Transaction Agreement with fixed‑milestone payments; performers retain IP while DARPA receives limited government purpose rights. Key deliverables include a programmable polymer library, NLO performance metrics exceeding state‑of‑the‑art, and a fully integrated device demonstration. • Develop novel polymer synthesis techniques offering atomic‑level sequence, orientation, and composition control. • Demonstrate high electro‑optic coefficients (n³r₃₃ ≥ 3 000 pm/V) and low optical loss (≤ 1 dB/cm) in prototype NLO polymers. • Scale the material to quantities suitable for integration into functional modulators and deliver a working electro‑optic device. • Provide detailed computational modeling, risk mitigation plans, and a transition pathway for commercialization.