Microfabricated 40-200 GHz Multi-beam Aperture with Metamaterial Superstrate Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Topic No.: N151-076 Topic Title: Microfabricated 40-200 GHz Multi-beam Aperture with Metamaterial Superstrate Proposal No.: N151-076-0261 Firm: Nuvotronics LLC 7586 Old Peppers Ferry Loop Radford, Virginia 24141 Contact: Ben Cannon Phone: (800) 341-2333 Web Site: www.nuvotronics.com Abstract: Electronically scanned antenna arrays that support wide-bandwidth operation are desirable for many functions of interest to the DoD, including spaceborne radar and radiometry systems with multiple instruments sharing a common aperture. For low earth orbit applications, systems with multiple electronically-commandable beams can extend dwell time on a given observation point on Earth without mechanical parts. There are many challenges with the manufacturability and efficiency of such a system in the 40-200 GHz range using conventional substrate-based technologies that support a TEM transmission line. The Nuvotronics' proprietary PolyStratar additive microfabrication process is tailored specifically for meeting modern needs for low-loss, broadband array systems at mmW frequencies. Nuvotronics proposes a program focused on developing a PolyStratar-based, scalable array solution for meeting the desired technical requirements over the full range of frequencies. A broadband beamforming network to support four or more simultaneous beams will be included. Benefits: The technologies that will be developed have direct applicability to spaceborne instruments having a mission similar to that of WINDSAT, but targeting mmW and sub-mmW frequencies. Additionally, future proposed NASA remote sensing missions such as the Snow and Cold Land Process (SCLP) mission, Aerosol, Clouds, and Ecosystems (ACE) mission or the draft requirements of the Global Cloud and Precipitation Mission (GPCM) could all leverage the PolyStrata hardware developed on this program. Beyond remote sensing missions, there are numerous other military and commercial applications for the technologies to be developed on this program. Microwave, mmW, and sub-mmW radar systems have applicability to landing in degraded visual environments (e.g. brown-out conditions) which is a significant problem for all rotorcraft operating in desert environments. DVE radars also have spaceborne applicability, for example, the Mars Planetary landing radars such as what is used for the Mars Science Laboratory mission. In addition to radar applications, mmW communications is receiving increasing attention and the hardware designs for the proposed program can be leveraged for this market space. Future solutions to be adopted for these types of systems will likely leverage W band to G band. Return