Towards single aperture RF/EO/IR systems: multi-spectral sensing and communication (Rising Researcher)

Christopher R. Valenta; Zachary J. Silva

doi:10.1117/12.2558096

23 April 2020 Towards single aperture RF/EO/IR systems: multi-spectral sensing and communication (Rising Researcher)

Christopher R. Valenta, Zachary J. Silva

Proceedings Volume 11410, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XXV; 114100A (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2558096
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2020, Online Only

Abstract

Optically transparent antennas are an enabling technology for creating single aperture radio frequency (RF)/Electro- Optical (EO)/Infra-red (IR) sensing and communication systems. Multi-sensor information processing, simplified alignment, resiliency to jamming, and lower size, weight, and power (SWaP) are all among the potential benefits realized by a multi-modal aperture. However, the ability to have highly transmissive optical imaging, LIDAR, and/or communication systems at the same time in the same physical footprint as low loss antenna systems for RADARs, communication, and/or radiometers results in a complex set of competing requirements and engineering tradeoffs. Of course, the exact requirements will depend on the nature of the individual systems which are being utilized in the aperture. For instance, a LIDAR-RADAR common aperture will have very different requirements than a short-wave infra-red (SWIR) imaging system with a microwave communication system. This paper will address some of these competing requirements and begin to investigate some of the limiting factors in operating these systems. For example, micro-meshed conductors have demonstrated the potential as an optically transparent conductor that is well suited to both RF and EO/IR performance. However, the RF power handling capacity of the micro mesh may limit the maximum output power of the RF system. At the same time, it has been shown that the micro mesh is highly transmissive, but the effects of the micro mesh on the point spread system of the optical system have not been characterized. These considerations will be discussed in the context of a LIDAR-RADAR common aperture for autonomous vehicle applications.

Citation Download Citation

Christopher R. Valenta and Zachary J. Silva "Towards single aperture RF/EO/IR systems: multi-spectral sensing and communication (Rising Researcher)", Proc. SPIE 11410, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XXV, 114100A (23 April 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2558096

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