Nanophotonic Optical Emulator for Complex Electromagnetic Maneuverability (EM) Systems

The radar cross section (RCS) of a platform, such as a ship or a submarine, is of particular importance for the Navy since it allows the detection and identification of the vessel. Minimizing the radar reflection improves the stealth properties of the vessel making it more difficult to detect. The observed RCS can also be used to identify a target by comparing it with a database of known profiles. To guide the design of new stealthy platforms, and to ensure the accurate identification of targets, both simulation and measurement are used. However, EM simulations are extremely challenging for large and complex objects that involve multiple constituent materials and fine details. Likewise, in-situ measurements are not always possible due to the availability of the ship (under design, or part of a foreign navy), and even when the vessel’s signature can be acquired, data are tainted with background noise such as ocean scattering. Noise is particularly large for measurements of a submarine near the marine wave boundary. TIPD and the University of Arizona propose to develop a tabletop radar range leveraging 3D printing and nanophotonics to serve as an optical emulator for complex electromagnetic systems.