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Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
This program will demonstrate ultra-broadband, widely tunable, low size, weight and power (SWaP) microwave photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for extreme high frequency (EHF) signal generation and distribution. The PICs will enable frequency conversion/signal generation and true time delay of broadband signals with a carrier frequency that is tunable over a wide portion of the EHF band. The extreme improvement in SWaP and signal purity makes this technology attractive for spaceborne communication, navigation, and remote sensing systems. The research will be conducted by the Integrated Photonics Group (iPG) at the University of California Santa Barbara. This group is a leader in photonic integration and its application to microwave photonics and space communications. In addition to working with a number of photonics foundries, the group has access to state-of-the-art materials growth, nanofabrication, packaging, and high-speed testing capabilities for rapid prototyping and subsystem development.
Improvements in low size, weight and power (SWaP) microwave photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for extreme high frequency (EHF) signal generation and distribution will enable frequency conversion/signal generation and true time delay of broadband signals with a carrier frequency that is tunable over a wide portion of the EHF band. The extreme improvement in SWaP and signal purity makes this technology attractive for spaceborne communication, navigation, and remote sensing systems.
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