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Ultra-Wideband Multifunction Photonic Transmit/Receive Module (ULTRA-T/R)
Program Manager: Dr. Ronald Esman
Overview
Ultra-Wideband Multifunction Photonic Transmit/Receive Module (ULTRA-T/R) objectives are to develop a wideband microwave antenna interface and corresponding antenna elements that would replace the conventional electronic transmit/receive (T/R) module-antenna combination and offer multiple modes of operation, such as simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) or switched mode. Additionally, the fiber interface to/from digital or analog beamformers offers a significant advantage in size, weight and power. The success of the ULTRA-T/R program is reliant on research to develop innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, and/or systems in the following areas: advanced optical modulators; power photodiodes; high-power, high-efficiency lasers with low relative intensity noise (RIN); and antenna element development. In the ULTRA-T/R program conventional electronic RF circulators, switches, low noise amplifiers (LNAs), and high power amplifiers (HPAs) are replaced by high-performance photonic equivalents.
Benefits of ULTRA-T/R technology include improved multifunction mission concurrency as well as reduced emission for more stealthy operations. It is envisioned that these photonic front-end T/R modules will enable many active electronically steerable array (AESA) applications of military interest in the fields of multi-function radars, communications, and sensors.
Vision Statement
ULTRA-T/R objectives are to develop a wideband microwave antenna interface and corresponding antenna elements that support enhanced C4ISR sensor capabilities. Coupling the need for increased bandwidth sensors with the need for smaller, stealthier netcentric platforms places enormous electromagnetic system and platform design constraints, necessitating innovative technology solutions. Affordable wideband active phased-array antennas resulting in size, weight, power and capability advantages are essential to future military C4ISR systems. ULTRA-T/R technology will produce high isolation, compact, power-efficient photonic front-end T/R modules, with wide ranging applications of military interest in the fields of multi-function radars, communications and sensors.