High-Resolution Millimeter-Wave Imaging System
Summary:
Using a miniature millimeter wave receiving element, Sophia Wireless, Inc. (Chantilly, VA), has developed a prototype of a compact, low-cost, and high-resolution 140-gigahertz imaging system. Once the system is fully developed, it could be used for security applications such as airport screening and concealed weapons detection. Sophia Wireless seeks other companies that are interested in exploring potential commercial or military applications for its high-resolution millimeter-wave technology.
Technology Description:
Using a miniature millimeter-wave receiving element, Sophia Wireless, Inc. (Chantilly, VA), has developed a prototype compact, low-cost, and high resolution 140-gigahertz imaging system. The prototype imaging system is mechanically steered and was designed to test the performance of a single miniature receiving element, with the long-term goal being to integrate multiple elements into high-resolution imaging arrays having small apertures, eliminating the need for mechanical steering. Sophia plans to produce a linear array of these elements to gather information about the scene in one direction, while using frequency steering to obtain the data necessary to construct a two-dimensional image. This would result in a high-resolution, small aperture imaging system requiring no mechanical steering. Elimination of mechanical steering would increase the speed at which images can be acquired, with video imaging in the millimeter-wave region being possible. The speed of data collection could be increased further by producing two-dimensional arrays that do not use either mechanical or frequency steering.
The receiving element is designed for broadband use in the 126- to 154-GHz range. Once the system is fully developed, it could be used for security applications such as airport screening and concealed weapons detection. Additionally, the reduced aperture size would allow the system’s use in missile seeker applications.
The novelty of this invention is the design of the broadband receiving element. Today's high-frequency receivers are limited in bandwidth (e.g., they can only observe at a preselected wavelength). A few broadband receivers exist but these can cost $5,000 to $10,000 per single channel. Sophia Wireless has designed their broadband receiving element with a target price of under $10 per channel. Additionally, because the receiver is very small, it can be layed out along a straight line and fit inside a very narrow space. One hundred receivers could fit side-by-side on a six-inch board to create a linear array. Finally, because the receiver is layed out on a standard circuit board it can be easily assembled using conventional microelectronics manufacturing techniques.
MDA Origins:
In 2002, MDA awarded Sophia Wireless a SBIR Phase I contract to develop a prototype of a high-resolution millimeter-wave imaging system. This type of imaging system is ideal for ballistic missile interceptors because it is less prone to signal jamming than infrared imagers. But to get high-resolution images, large apertures are needed. Thus, these imagers tend not to fit inside the compact space of a missile interceptor. The imager being developed by Sophia Wireless will allow a smaller aperture without sacrificing high resolution.
Spinoff Applications:
Although the technology is far from being fully developed, it may eventually be useful in security and screening appplications. Millimeter-wave imagers transform naturally occurring millimeter waves into images that allow security personnel to reveal the nature and location of a wide range of weapons and contraband concealed on the human body. Because these imagers are passive, they do not generate potentially damaging radiation for the objects or people being scanned. Sophia’s technology would allow manufacturers of millimeter-wave imagers to create smaller, less expensive, and higher resolution devices.
Commercialization:
The technology is in the early stages of development, so Sophia Wireless has yet to form its commercialization strategy. However, the company has identified two millimeter-wave imaging products that could be produced: a linear array with refractive steering and a two-dimensional array using a lens. Sophia Wireless belives its millimeter-wave imaging technology has significant potential in both commercial and military applications. As the company overcomes remaining engineering issues and refines its prototype, it is looking not only for development and marketing partners interested in potential collaborations but also future customers.
Company Profile:
Sophia Wireless was founded in October 1999 to provide microwave and millimeter-wave solutions for use in optoelectronics and broadband wireless. In June 2001, the company merged with its sister company, Virginia Millimeter Wave, founded in 1997. Together, the companies have been awarded over $4 million in government contracts to conduct research and development work for NASA and various Department of Defense organizations. In addition to government R&D, Sophia Wireless is using its patented silicon micromachining techniques to produce modular microelectronic and optoelectronic components. The company also offers a complete product line of component amplifiers and millimeter wave multipliers and filters. It has 12 employees.
Contact Information:
Dr. Philip Koh
Sophia Wireless, Inc.
14225 Sully Field Circle, Suite C
Chantilly, VA 20151
Tel:(703) 961-9570
Fax:(703) 961-9576
email: pkoh@sophiawireless.com
web: www.sophiawireless.com
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