SBIR Phase I: A High Power, High Efficiency W-Band Amplifier

Fm Technologies Inc, Chantilly VA

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project, A High Power, High Efficiency W-band Amplifier, is a new W-band, high-power microwave source. A point design based on a frequency of 11.424 gigaHertz (GHz) at the input cavity produces a one megawatt output at 91.4 GHz. It has a 51.5% system efficiency and 57.9 decibel (dB) gain. Phase I will make a detailed analysis to establish credible estimates of radio-frequency power, pulse length, emittance, efficiency, gain, and other key parameters. This W-band amplifier will provide a high power, high-frequency source suitable for many applications, such as improved tracking and mapping in atmospheric and near-atmospheric studies. Benefits will accrue to: (1) High resolution planetary mapping studies using inverse synthetic aperture radar, affording an improved signal to noise ratio at short wavelengths; (2) Cloud physics studies with greater range at improved resolutions; and (3) Space debris detection and tracking of near earth asteroids with improved accuracy.