PASADENA, Calif., 9 Oct. 2009. OEwaves engineers will demonstrate the feasibility of a compact, wideband tunable, ultra-high performance microwave oscillator suitable for radar and communication systems. The technology will support small platforms, such as unmanned vehicle systemsunmanned vehicle systems. The approach combines a fiber-based OEO for achieving high spectral purity with a unique modulator based on the optical WGM resonator. The anticipated ultra-low phase noise performance is expected to rival current single-frequency compact OEO technology while providing the added advantage of wideband agility over 40 GHz.

A major feature of the architecture is the inherently low acceleration sensitivity, a parameter of significance for all mobile platforms, says a company representative. The outcome of this task can directly lead to the development of high-performance, miniature oscillators with exceptionally low acceleration sensitivity to enable availability of advanced radar and C4ISR capabilities for small UAVs and other small platforms.

"This program will lead to demonstration of a capability that currently does not exist, and will have a significant impact in enabling future radar and communications architectures," says Lute Maleki, president and CEO of OEwaves.

OEwaves' microwave photonic technology is intended to simplify the architecture of conventional microwave techniques by addressing the critical need to reduce size and power requirements.