Innovative C3I Technologies - "Complex Magnitude and Phase Measurements of EM Fields from Transmitting Antennas using Innovative Infrared Imaging Te

It is the objective of this proposal to begin the incremental process of commercializing an innovative antenna measurement technique that uses Infrared (IR) images of a radiated electromagnetic (EM) field to mesure the intensity of the field. It is proposed to extend the present magnatude only capabilities of the IR technique to include phase measurements, without the need for preparing a special detection screen or tailoring the detection screen to any particular antenna. This technique is a radical departure from conventional probe methods of measurement and represents a new, innovative approach to the important problem of quick, accurate, and economical antenna pattern measurements. With magnitude and phase information, the IR imaging technique can be used in important dual-use applications that have commercial potential in the private sector. For example, near-field transformation techniques can be applied to determine the "health" of phased array antennas (military or commercial). The IR test can also be performed "in the field" without the need of transporting the anatenna to an antenna range, as is now done. This new IR measurement technique with significantly contribute to state-of-the-art antenna measurement techniques and will significantly reduce the time and cost of such measurements.