Millimeter Wave Imaging with Photonic Integrated Circuits (MiPICs)
Abstract
The proposed project will advance the development of active/passive millimeter wave (pmmW) imaging systems for applications ranging from person-borne improvised explosive device (PBIED) detection and identification, to seeing through structures and walls, to imaging the electromagnetic environment to provide radio-frequency situational awareness (RFSA). The effort is focused on developing photonic integrated circuit (PIC) implementations of key subsystem functionalities that are well suited for PIC-based implementation. One motivation for this pursuit is the result of recent field tests supported by DTRA-RD that have demonstrated significant capability (greater than 98% efficacy in the probability of detection or non-detection of a threat) to detect concealed objects, or PBIEDs, using millimeter wave (mmW) imaging. However, the transition of such systems into the operational environment has been limited due to excessive size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements. To address and overcome this limitation, the proposed project will work to implement key subsystem functionalities, e.g., a spatial phase locking system, into a PIC-based implementation so as to significantly reduce SWaP. Accordingly, this project will design such PICs using a thin-film-lithium-niobate (TFLN) material system that offers unique advantages in comparison to silicon, silicon nitride, or indium phosphide PICs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112263
Entities
People
- Dennis W. Prather
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Delaware