W-band Array Manufacturing Improvements

Traditional circuit-board based antennas for phased arrays do not work well at frequencies above 20 GHz. Among other reasons, this is because of dielectric losses and geometric non-idealities become electrically larger at higher frequencies. Nuvotronics proposes to demonstrate antenna modules capable of being used in a phased array that supports electronic scanning. The PolyStrata® fabrication process creates high-tolerance structures that can be optimized for a variety of applications, but (for the purposes of this project) will operate at W-band frequencies for such cloud and precipitation radar missions such as the proposed Aerosols, Clouds, and Ecosystems (ACE) mission. The technical objectives are to re-design, and validate the fabrication and assembly processes to create an antenna array modules that operates at W-band. This antenna technology can be scaled to larger arrays using it as a feed for a larger reflector or by tiling together multiple subarrays to form larger arrays.Tasks: 1. The Ka-W-band array design will be optimized for manufacturing. 2. A demonstration array will be fabricated using the Next Generation PolyStrata process based upon the design optimization conducted. 3. RF screening measurements will be conducted to validate the design approach. 4. Thermal testing of the module will be conducted to show viability of relevant environments. 5. Nuvotronics shall comply with interim reporting requirements.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.