28GHz-43GHz Nadir/Near-Nadir (~70-90 degrees wrt horizontal) Low Probability of Intercept Radio Frequency Direction Finding/GeoLocation Capability Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-118 Topic Title: 28GHz-43GHz Nadir/Near-Nadir (~70-90 degrees wrt horizontal) Low Probability of Intercept Radio Frequency Direction Finding/GeoLocation Capability Proposal No.: N102-118-1173 Firm: Spectrum Magnetics, LLC 1210 First State Blvd Wilmington, Delaware 19804-3561 Contact: Stoyan Stoyanov Phone: (302) 993-1070 Web Site: www.spectrum-magnetics.com Abstract: In this NAVY SBIR Phase I program, we propose a radio frequency (RF) direction finding sensor for low probability of intercept (LPI) RF radar system. This sensor consists of a dielectric fisheye lenses and an innovative focus plane detector array (FPDA). The fisheye lenses, as a RF antenna, have been broadly used in camera and electronic-optical systems (from visible to infrared wavelength). In this program, using dielectric materials such as teflon or sapphire, we will fabricate fisheye lenses operable in RF/millimeter wave regions. The lenses can project the RF signal over a semi-sphere onto its focus plane. A novel FPDA based on emerging spintronic devices, with each element being much smaller than 0.1 mm, will accurately detect the diffracted field distribution produced by the lenses. The center of the distribution is related to the direction of the incident waves. The direction can thus be extracted from the position of the distribution in the focus plane and parameters of the fisheye lenses. Benefits: Technical success of this program is anticipated to generate commercialization opportunities in DoD and commercial applications. The innovated focus plane detector can be used in battlefield monitor and surveillance by Army and Marines. For example, an active system including a RF source and FPDA is an imaging radar, and is capable of detecting the hostile tanks, arm vehicles, and the weapon carried by armed soldier in a distance over hundreds meters. The system can cover semi-hemisphere without any moving parts. It is compact and can be carried by soldiers, small vehicles, and UAVs. This system can also be developed as a compact surface penetrating imaging to detect buried pipes, cables, and other objects. A very promising application, which SM will pursue over a long term, is in medical field where microwave imaging radars with high sensitivity and spatial resolution are highly desirable for cancer and tumor detection. Return