High-Power Multispectral Hemispherical Phased Array Beam Steering Subsystems Demonstrator
Abstract
ABSTRACT: We propose to investigate and demonstrate an innovative high-power, multi-spectral, non-mechanical steering subsystem ena"bled by a combination of high-power MWIR and LWIR quantum cascade laser (QCL) and amplifier (QCA) arrays and a multi-spectral phase-array beam steering module on a single silicon platform. The proposed subsystem demonstrator (SSD) includes three spectral bands wit"h tunable wavelengths: MWIR1 (e.g. 3.4-3.8 micron), MWIR2 (e.g. 4.5-4.6 micron), and LWIR (e.g. 9.0-10.6 micron). At the onset of th""e project, specific wavelengths within each band can be selected by the Sponsor. The proposed SSD driven by the control electronics"" interfacing with the innovative active-matrix-array 3D photonic-electronic phase array (3D PEPA) allows the pointing, steering, and"" tracking of a remote object with all three wavelength bands with high beam quality M2 below 1.3, power (above 30 Watts of combined"" power), and stability. The high-resolution and high-precision 3D PEPA with integrated thin-film transistors (TFT) realized on CMOS-"compatible fabrication processes allow sidelobe-free and hemispheric (180 degree total-field-of-view in all directions) beam steering by independent matrix control of pixels. The SSD realized on a single silicon platform with equal-path lengths allows agile tuning of the emission wavelengths of QCLs while supporting accurate and stable pointing under challenging ambient and vibration condition"s. The proposed new capability addresses increased combat effectiveness for all aerial vehicles, manned and unmanned, by providing a"" conformal optical system required for search, track, dazzle, and jam. Additionally, this new technology addresses naval capability"" to control or to attack multi EW spectrum with rapid, accurate, and agile point-and-steer of multi EW spectrum laser beams. The pro"posed project will develop very compact phased array optical beam steering technologies that will allow coherent energy spanning multiple bands of the MWIR and LWIR spectrum to be directed in a low divergence beam with minimal or no side lobes over an angular rang"e coveringa complete hemisphere. The proposed phase array beam steering technology covers very fast (ms), small (28 cc), and emits" high optical power levels (above 30 W total combined power). We will first test the prototyped SSD in the emulated lab environment at a collaborating laboratory with temperature variations and vibrations applied to the SSD. The laboratory prototype will be adapted into existing MWIR active sensing system used for surface and air antisubmarine warfare (ASW) applications. To minimize any di"stortions to the launched beam due toatmospheric effects and ensure the desired underwater acoustic EA effects can be generated, th""e prototype will be initially tested from a surface ship. Once the desired acoustic EA effects are demonstrated, the prototype will" be incorporated into a flight-ruggedized package and field tested in realistic maritime environment on board a rotary wing platform. The warfighter payoffs the proposed project includes (a) increased combat effectiveness for all manned or unmanned aerial vehi"cles or surface ships by providing a conformal optical system required for EA (search, track, dazzle, and jam) in such applications"" as Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) or Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM), counter-ISR against MWIR/LWIR passive or active i"maging; as well as in active (acoustic) sensing in air ASW applications; (b)enhances Naval capability to control or to attack multi"-EW spectrum with rapid, accurate, and agile point-and-steer of multi-EW spectrum laser beams; (c) expands mission capabilities to s""imultaneous access to multiple spectral bands, extends range and time over target, increases platform survivability, supports faster"" response to targets, reduces sensitivity to vibrations andtemperature variations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712836
Entities
People
- S.j. Ben Yoo
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Davis