Compact, Electronic Beam Steering System

In the past two decades we have witnessed a tremendous growth in the application of solid-state microwave technology in the military, commercial and research arenas. However, solid-state sources are inherently low power and with increasing frequency the power output from a single device decreases rapidly. Therefore, the many advantages of operating at higher, millimeter-wave frequencies (e.g. increased bandwidth, improved spatial resolution, more compact, lightweight systems) have been difficult to realize. In addition, in many of the above applications both transmitter and receiver systems often require an electronic scanning capability. IR&T proposes to provide low-cost, reliable solutions to both of the above problems through the application of innovative quasi-optical millimeter-wave circuit technology. A quasi-optical diode multiplier array will be integrated with a monolithic beam-steering diode array at 94, 140 and 220 GHz to provide improved reliability as well as tremendous cost savings over conventional MMIC systems. A successful completion of the Phase I/II Programs would find application in a wide range of commercial and military applications. Cost-saving, compact, reliable, millimeter-wave sources combined with electronic beam steering are critically required in developing areas, such as satellite communications, mobile navigation, collision avoidance radar systems, non-destructive testing, radiometric imaging, etc.