SBIR-STTR Award

A compact, light weight and highly integrated space fed 94 GHz antenna is proposed. Electronic beam steering is realized using a quasi-optical feed to a reconfigurable array. The antenna is a passive, low loss structure, which can be fabricated using conventional low frequency silicon semiconductor processing. The low loss also implies that it has relatively high power handling capabilities as only a small amount of power is dissipated within the antenna. The potentially low cost of production is an important factor for dual use applications. The proposal for Phase I outlines the effort to prove the antenna concept, predict the expected performance and resolve the fabrication issues. The development and experimental evaluation of a demonstration prototype is planned to be conducted in Phase II program. Such an antenna can have extensive application in Military as well as civilian applications. Millimeter-wave seekers, smart munitions and secure tactical communications are examples of this type of applications. Commercial applications include, collision avoidance automotive sensors, intrusion detection systems and personal communications to cite just a few examples.

Keywords:
Nnas Phase Arrays Quasi Optical Antennas Millimeter Wave Seekers

A compact, light weight and highly integrated electronically steerable 94 GHz antenna is proposed for demonstration based on the results of Phase I effort. The anttenna has a diameter of 4" and is designed to fit into 5" diameter smart munitions projectiles. The electronic beam steering is ralized using a quasi-optical feed for a reconfigurable array. The antenna is passive, low loss and can be fabricated using conventional low frequency Silicon semiconductor processing. The low loss implies that it has relatively high power handling capability. The potentially low cost of production is an important factor for dual use applications. The Phase II proposal outlines the technical approach to the practical demonstration of the concept developed and analyzed in Phase I effort. Such an antenna can have extensive application in military as well as in civilian systems. Millimeter wave seekers, smart munitions and light weight secure tactical communication systems are examples of military applications. Commercial applications include collision avoidance automotive sensors, wide area intrusion detection systems and personal communications.

Keywords:
Millimeter-Wave Antennas Phase Arrays Quasi-Optical Antennas Millimeter-Wave Seekers Integrated Ante