Highly Integrated RF Photonic Transmitter for High Dynamic Range RF Applications

In this Phase I program, we will investigate new approaches for realizing an ultra-compact (40 mm × 20 mm × 5 mm), lightweight ( 120 dB-Hz2/3, RF photonic transmitter suitable for operation in military aerospace environments. Our Phase I feasibility study will explore photonic and microwave component integration techniques that can be applied to our existing high performance, adaptive RF photonic transceiver technology incorporating feedforward linearization, in order to meet all of the target performance, footprint, weight and power requirements. We will develop a preliminary architecture for the highly integrated, high performance, low SWaP RF photonic transmitter as well as an initial design for a compact microwave integrated circuit assembly that implements the functionality of the RF photonic transmitter’s linearization circuitry. During Phase I we will also carry out a proof of concept demonstration that experimentally validates the performance that can be achieved with our proposed technical solution. The high performance and low SWaP RF photonic transmitter technology that we will develop in this program will enable all of the benefits of high dynamic range fiber optic RF signal remoting to be fully exploited in Navy avionic platforms, greatly enhancing mission capabilities.