RF Polymer Phased Array Demonstration Project
Abstract
This BMDO demo project was to demonstrate and to evaluate the latest generation of polymer modulators and devices for optical control of phased array radar antennas. Two commercial companies and three universities participated in this effort. Two versions of new phased array antenna designs were demonstrated in Texas on Sept 9, 2004. All of the objectives of the contract were achieved and summarized in this final report. The program involved significant levels of cooperation between the Universities and companies. It really represented a Team effort that brought many different skills and new approaches together. This resulted in several novel directions in designing phased array radars, in combining antennas and modulators, to fabricating new devices and polymer based structures, and to developing new materials for these applications. This report summaries the research in each category by including a write up or major publication. The new devices that were demonstrated permitted rapid control of phased arrays with low cost and weight. They represent a major advance in the State of the Art. However, it is recognized that actual systems that can be implemented devices will require additional investigation to achieve the dynamic range and precise directional control now required for military applications. The domo project showed that electrooptic polymers will play a vital role in future phased array Radar systems. They lend themselves to the complex, integrated systems which will be required in the next generation of combat vehicles and defensive systems. Most important for space based systems they are light and naturally radiation hard.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 22, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA430306
Entities
People
- Christopher Cox
- H. Fetterman
- L. Dalton
- R Chen
- W. Steier