A Microwave Measurement Facility for RF Chaff Materials

Physical Sciences Inc. and the New Mexico State University propose to refine and implement the design of a Microwave Obscurant Measurement Facility (MOMF) testbed developed in the Phase I STTR program that addresses Key Performance Parameters developed (KPPs) with input from Army representatives.  The successful Phase II STTR program will establish a unique, compact testbed for quick, low-cost screening of laboratory-scale quantities of new/novel obscurant materials designed for the 2 – 40 GHz (Threshold), 2 – 150 GHz (Objective) frequency range.  The proposed program includes tasks to: 1) review and update the KPPs and the preliminary Phase II prototype design based upon Army feedback and requirements, 2) finalize the design and procure/test the components of the microwave measurement system, 3) design and fabricate a continuous feed obscurant injector based upon a successful mechanism demonstrated in Phase I, 4) build and test the obscurant enclosure that integrates the microwave measurement capability with the obscurant injector and a multi-zone air recirculation system, and 5) develop and implement laptop-based software control for the system.  The assembled system will be validated by testing obscurant materials of interest to the Army.  The validated system will then be delivered to the Army.