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Optical and Radio Frequencies Integrated Common Aperture Based on Liquid Crystal

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: F33615-02-M-1230
Agency Tracking Number: 021SN-2951
Amount: $99,964.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2002
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100
Torrance, CA 90501
United States
DUNS: 153865951
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Valeriy Chirkov
 Research Scientist
 (310) 320-3088
 sutama@poc.com
Business Contact
 Gordon Drew
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (310) 320-3088
Email: gdrew@poc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel Optical and Radio frequencies Integrated Common Aperture based on LIquid Crystals (ORICAL) system that simultaneously supports radio and optical sensor operation. ORICAL is composed of liquidcrystal (LC) elements forming phase-modulating arrays, unifying apertures for radio-frequency (RF) and electro-optical (EO) wavelengths. The LC waveguide phase modulator array will steer RF beams, while LC cells with a blazed grating structure microprismarray will scan optical beams. Applying an electrical field to the elements of both arrays will alter the tilt of the LC molecules switching their refraction index, phase modulating all propagating waves.The proposed ORICAL system is based on a new architecture that does not require mechanical or moving parts. Its advantages are: large arrays, thin assemblies, compact form factor, low driving voltage, low power consumption, and low fabrication costs. InPhase I POC will develop all required components, and demonstrate feasibility. In Phase II, an engineering prototype will be developed for field testing. The proposed ORICAL technology will reduce production costs compared to existing sensors with separate apertures. The most notable benefits will be the availability of better, more cost effective sensor systems for military and commercial aircraft, butalso for automotive applications.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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