Radar Systems Technology Innovative Concepts

The goal of this SBIR project is the development of an Electro-optic Sensor Network (ESN) system that can be directly embedded into large-scale phased antenna arrays for accurate on-site array calibration, real-time fault isolation, and performance monitoring. This will be accomplished through acquisition of near-field amplitude and phase information from numerous strategic points within the array using an innovative electro-optic (EO) field detection technology. Changes in the optical properties of a laser beam within a miniaturized dielectric EO sensor are used to detect the near-field signal emanating from the array unit cells. Due to its non-intrusiveness, a large number of EO sensors can be integrated into an array without disturbing the near-field profile of the array. The pure optical signal within the ESN will be completely immune from any electromagnetic interference. The exceptional flexibility of the optical fiber, onto whose ends the very small EO sensors are attached, makes the ESN approach a viable solution for the characterization of collapsible/deployable arrays, as well as other conventional arrays. The ESN system will open a new paradigm of array operation and maintenance, from accurate on-site calibration and real-time detection of malfunctioning cells, to the evaluation of the overall array operating condition.