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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The objectives of this research effort are to investigate the link between system phase noise and increased radar pulse compression sidelobes, as well as the application of ultra-low phase noise Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology to improve remote sensing radar sensitivity, Doppler accuracy, and near-surface detection capability through reduced sidelobes. This research will position GSFC for new generation remote sensing sensor development and future funding opportunities.
During this study, a Ku-band (13.6 GHz) radar transceiver test setup was built for characterization of system phase noise effects on radar pulse compression sidelobe performance, and for evaluation a photonic-RF circuit from a SBIR phase II project. Study results show that radar pulse compression sidelobe is related to phase locked oscillator phase noise as well as SSPA transmitter operation condition. Pulse compression was successfully demonstrated using the photonic-RF circuit output as the radar local oscillator. However, this photonic-RF circuit (SBIR Phase II deliverable) was designed for ultra wideband tunable RF signal generation and its frequency stability is about a few MHz/min. Future effort will explore different approaches for laser locking, such as Wisper Gallery resonantor, to improve the photonic-RF output frequency stability.
This research will position GSFC for new generation remote sensing sensor development and future opportunities The funding infusion plan is to propose this technology for an IIP opportunity for such a radar. This technology maturation will lead to multiple opportunities for possible mission funding, including InVest, Earth Venture or future Earth Science Decadal Survey AOs.
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