Common Optical/RF EM Threat Detection Using Arrays of Rectifying Nanoantennas

In order for the military to achieve its desired electronic warfare goal of dominating the electromagnetic spectrum it is critical that new technology paradigms for electronic warfare support be vigorously explored and developed. The STTR proposal being submitted by the joint team of Salbec, LLC and Boston College breaks away from the conventional approach of using antennas for RF EM sensing and photon detection for optical EM sensing and outlines a revolutionary common optical/RF EM threat sensor comprised of arrays of rectifying nanoantennas together with associated processing circuitry. The goal of the Phase II effort is to deliver a working prototype (TRL 5) of the combined optical/RF threat sensor covering the 10 GHz to NIR frequency bands. The goal of the Option 1 effort is to conclude an extensive set of highly accelerated lifetime tests (HALT) on both the nanoantenna array detector and threat sensor, in preparation for field trials and transition to military production. The goal of the Option 2 effort is to complete field trials on the prototype sensor and transition the detector to production.