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Q-Band Millimeter Wave Imaging in the Far-Field Enabled by Optical Upconversion Methodology

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Abstract

Millimeter-wave (mmW) imaging has evolved to the point where it offers distinctive remote sensing capabilities in many application scenarios, such as port and harbor security, search and rescue, and navigational aids, due to its unique ability to penetrate atmospheric obscurants. Some of the applications being considered require passive imaging, imposing challenging sensitivity requirements to detect the low power levels in this spectral region. One metric used in this regard is the noise equivalent power (NEP), which quantifies the sensitivity of a detector. By utilizing a unique detector technology based on optical upconversion a low NEP value is achieved as compared to other RF methods, without the use of cryogenic cooling or low noise amplification. In addition, the overall size and weight may be reduced as compared to other imaging methodologies. As such, the construction and development of a passive mmW imaging system utilizing optical upconversion was undertaken, operating in the Q-Band to collect radiation between 33 and 50 GHz. Herein, we describe the passive mmW imager architecture and operation. Also presented are imaging results obtained using this approach as well as key imager metrics that have been experimentally validated.

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Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank the Office of Naval Research for their support of this research under grant number N00014-04-1-0616, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Microsystems Technology Office.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Delaware, 140 Evans Hall, Newark, DE, 19716, USA

    Jesse P. Samluk, John Wilson & Dennis W. Prather

  2. Phase Sensitive Innovations, Incorporated, 51 East Main Street, Suite 201, Newark, DE, 19711, USA

    Christopher A. Schuetz, Thomas Dillon, Daniel G. Mackrides & Richard D. Martin

  3. W. L. Gore & Associates, Incorporated, Electronic Products Division, 380 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA, 19350, USA

    E. Lee Stein Jr.

  4. Siemens Healthcare DX, 604 GBC Drive, Newark, DE, 19702, USA

    Andrew Robbins

  5. Motorola - Enterprise Mobility Business - Optical Engineering Advanced Data Capture, One Symbol Plaza, Mailstop: B-9, Holtsville, NY, 11742, USA

    Caihua Chen

Authors
  1. Jesse P. Samluk
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  2. Christopher A. Schuetz
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  3. Thomas Dillon
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  4. E. Lee Stein Jr.
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  5. Andrew Robbins
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  6. Daniel G. Mackrides
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  7. Richard D. Martin
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  8. John Wilson
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  9. Caihua Chen
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  10. Dennis W. Prather
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jesse P. Samluk.

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Samluk, J.P., Schuetz, C.A., Dillon, T. et al. Q-Band Millimeter Wave Imaging in the Far-Field Enabled by Optical Upconversion Methodology. J Infrared Milli Terahz Waves 33, 54–66 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-011-9850-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-011-9850-1

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