A Digital-Optical Hybrid Correlator

Abstract

A Digital-Optical Hybrid Correlator with the capability of processing pulse doppler and wideband radar signals has been developed based on the correlation properties of an optical phased array. This hybrid system retains the flexibility of digital technology for signal storage and registration, and the speed of coherent optical technology for performing the signal correlation. Two phased-array modulators have been developed. The Membrane Light Modulator is a mirror whose surface can be deflected in localized areas by electrostatic forces. The multichannel crystal modulator employs the electro-optic properties of lithium tantalate to achieve phase modulation. Both modulators have been used to perform optical phased-array beam steering. Pulse doppler and wideband radar signals have been processed by the hybrid correlator. The system's capability to perform two-dimensional correlation of frequency diversity radar waveforms has been demonstrated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0751695

Entities

People

  • D. G. Grant
  • J. L. Queen
  • R. A. Meyer

Organizations

  • Johns Hopkins University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Beam Steering
  • Computer Programs
  • Doppler Radar
  • Electro-Optics
  • Modulation
  • Optical Beam Steering
  • Optical Modulators
  • Optics
  • Phase Modulation
  • Phase Modulators
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Radar
  • Refractive Index
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Signal Processing
  • Two Dimensional
  • Waveforms

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Physics

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Phased Array Antenna Design.