Millimeter Wave (MMW) Crossbar Switching for Multi-Beam Electronic Scanning Antenna Technology

Not Available Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. proposes to develop a new high-performance optical filter technology compatible with direct deposition onto a functioning detector array. This program addresses the need for a laser protection technology capable of mitigating a jamming level laser threat at a known wavelength. In this program, we focus on the development of the materials and process technology necessary to fabricate a self-assembled, high-performance optical filter onto an imaging detector array. The filter technology is based on new advances made at the University of Rochester in Chiral Cross-linked Liquid Crystalling Polymers (XLCP). These filters function in a similar manner to rugate filter technology. However, this technology has several advantages over rugates for the proposed application. The goal of this Phase I program is to demonstrate a high-performance rejection filter centered at 1064 nm formed in a process compatible with being deposited directly on a high-performance detector array. In addition, a demonstration of the anti-jamming performance will be conducted on a working CCD array. To achieve these goals the program will address materials synthesis. Film processing technology, an anti-jamming demonstration and the development of a detailed test plan to demonstrate both laser dazzle reduction and radiation hardness. Crosslinked liquid crystal polymer (XLCP) filters are a low cost, high yield alternative to high-performance interference technology for some applications. XLCP filters are capable of achieving optical densities over a wide field of view. Another advantage of this filter technology is the anticipated inherent durability to cryogenic cycling.