CMOS compatible, Optically upconverted, Multifunctional Phased array System (COMPS)
Abstract
This project proposes a new design paradigm for the development and application of broadband, multi-functional RF antenna systems for a multitude of applications within the Navy. The objective is to emulate the principles of imaging as they relate to conventional visible and infrared systems and apply them to an RF antenna system, through the realization of an optically up-converted antenna system (OAS). In so doing, one can achieve and render spatial orthogonality to emitting and reflecting RF sources in the environment through the inherent beam-space processing afforded by imagine. To this end, each RF signal in the environment is brought to focus, or imaged, to a separate location in the image plane. This is the consequence of imaging and happens prior to detection. As a result, each signal is isolated, or orthogonal, to all other signals, which can then be detected on individual detectors without the presence of any intermixing or intermodulation. For this reason, multifunctional performance can be achieved within each focused spot as their independence from imaging affords independent operation, or functionality. While this system has been demonstrated for passive and active RF signals, this work will realize such a system using a CMOS compatible process that will significantly reducecost and make the system more widely applicable. We should also note that the underlying technical components, even those realized in CMOS materials, can operate well up into the 100 GHz regime, thereby providing extremely wide bandwidth operation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812351
Entities
People
- Dennis W. Prather
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Delaware