Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging Camera System Using Optical Up-Conversion in Sparse Array Configuration

The objective of this proposal is to enable high-sensitivity, passive imaging system of natural mm-wave emissions, which can be used as standalone or fused with other imaging modality such as conventional IR imagery in degraded environments. This is achieved through a unique antenna integrated electro-optic (EO) modulator, where received mm-wave signals modulate an optical carrier. The optical carrier is then removed using an optical band pass filter, and the remaining sideband is projected onto a commercial off the shelf (COTS) Near-IR camera. The antenna integrated EO modulator thereby entirely eliminates active RF electronics in the front-end, requires only COTS optical source and a photo detector. This topology eliminates the need for bulky front-end lenses. The mmW antenna integrated EO modulator allows for high sensitivity at video rates, sub-1°K temperature resolution, and broad field of view (>20°) capability. Additionally, the proposed mmW detector is produced with standard lithography fabrication techniques, COTS hardware, and leverages sparse array techniques to reduce hardware cost.