SBIR-STTR Award

In this Project, OEwaves Inc. and Georgia Tech team propose to research and develop a unique RF photonic receiver front-end enabling microwave signal processing at a heterogeneously integrated photonic platform. In particular, we propose to develop a new technology for photonic microwave filters based on the new advances in Si-based integrated photonics. We will exploit the expertise of the team members who have made extensive contributions to silicon (Si) and silicon nitride (SiN) integrated photonic structures (Georgia Tech) and the design and development of analog photonic systems (OEwaves Inc.). Potential NASA Applications These photonic integrated circuits permit size, weight, power and cost reductions for spacecraft microprocessors, communication buses, processor buses, advanced data processing, free space communications and integrated optic science instrument optical systems, subsystems and components. Allowing NASA to respond to the steady increase in data rates, with signal coding and modulation for more efficient use of the RF spectrum establishing reliable radio links across thousands of miles of space. Potential Non-NASA Applications Various military airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as government software defined and cognitive radio applications had demonstrated great need for such a tunable microwave-photonic filter. Customers include the federal government (DoD, NSA, etc.), government/defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, L-3, Northrop Grumman, UTC Aerospace, etc.), and government communication radio developers (Motorola Solutions, Harris, National Instruments, etc.).

In this Project, OEwaves Inc. and Georgia Tech propose to research and develop an RF photonic receiver front-end enabling microwave signal processing at a heterogeneously integrated photonic platform. In particular, we propose to develop a new technology for photonic microwave filters based on the new advances in silicon (Si)-based integrated photonics. In this endeavor, we will exploit the expertise of the team members who have made extensive contributions to Si and silicon nitride (SiN) integrated photonic structures (Georgia Tech) and the design and development of analog photonic systems (OEwaves Inc.). OEwaves will apply a rapid development process using existing, proven, photonic elements to develop a wideband chip-scale tuner, with IF filtering capabilities. The extremely fast and compact tuning architecture provides a viable alternative to currently available high-cost channelized architectures. The development approach is a front-end architecture based on the application of novel integrated optical filters characterized by ultra-high quality-factors (“Qs”) coupled with a capable back-end. Photonic circuit elements based on the filters allow highly selective processing of the narrow-band, weak, and scattered RF and microwave signals. The integrated optical resonators enable a versatile RF photonic tuner architecture by optimizing RF parameters such as selectivity, bandwidth coverage, tuning extent and speed relative to size, weight, and energy efficiency. The goal of the current project is to create an integrated filter prototype system at the end of Phase II. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Include new methods of passive and active microwave signal processing with significantly improved size, weight and power. The proposed PIC filter technology has very low optical insertion loss and high spurious free dynamic range that benefit analog and RF signal processing and signal transmission links. The integration of monolithic high-Q microresonator-based delay-lines can offer filters with multi-GHz RF passband, suitable for designing Ka, W, V band radar/receivers with unmatched performance metrics compared to RF electronic alternatives. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Include radar systems, ship-based multi-functional phased arrays, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for unmanned aerial vehicles; onboard guidance systems for interceptor missiles; high-bandwidth terrestrial and space communications systems; Electronic Warfare (EW), Electronic Counter-Counter Measure (ECCM) and Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) systems; radar test equipment.