This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project deals with a unique wide instantaneous bandwidth photonic signal processing technology applicable to MDA TMD and NMD RF and laser radar program activities such as the PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile system, Navy Area Wide AEGIS/Standard Missile System, the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System, Differentrial Absorption Lidar (DIAL) System, and Cruise Missile Advanced Guidance (CMAG). This wideband processor uses solid-state optical device technology that can provide wide instantaneous processing bandwidths to 1 GHz . It is assembled from in-line bulk active and passive optics. The module features simultaneous independent range/Doppler bins for creating multiple simultaneous independent RF/laser radar receive beams utilized for fast search and tracking of missiles. Phase I research will concentrate on the basic proposed processor and its proof of concept experimental demonstration. Groundwork will be laid to indicate technical concept feasibility that will lead to a Phase II plan for prototyping and development. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: Apart from use in TMD-mode wideband laser and RF radar range-Doppler processing, the proposed processor can be used in: (a) wideband RF spectrum analyzers, (b) UnderSea Depth Sounding, (c) Space exploration, (d) Industrial Inspection, and (d) Remote Sensing.
Keywords: acousto-optics, range Doppler processing , optical processor, wide bandwidth
