Photonics-assisted Sensor and Transmitter for Electromagnetic Dominance (PHAST-FEED)

Dominance of the frequency RF spectrum has become increasingly important as communication protocols start occupying higher bandwidths. Existing methods for monitoring this large spectrum for threats are either limited by digitizing technology, are high size, weight, and power (SWaP), or are too slow to see transient signals. We propose PHotonics-Assisted Sensor-Transmitter For ElEctromagnetic Dominance (PHAST-FEED) that combines existing mode-locked laser technology, high-performance thin-film lithium-niobate (TFLN) technology, a compressive sensing (CS) scheme, and a high performance synthesizer. PHAST-FEED will be capable of simultaneous monitoring for RF signals over a 1–40 GHz bandwidth and transmitting a phase-coherent signal in response. With the unique combination of state-of-the-art COTS components and cutting edge integrated photonics technology, we expect our receiver to be compact, rugged, and highly manufacturable for widespread deployment in a variety of electronic warfare applications.