Multiple baseline photonic correlator. MKT2024/0190_I
Photonic circuit for simultaneous multiple baseline cross-correlation computation of ultra-wide bandwidth signals Ref. MKT2024/0190_I
Multiple baseline photonic correlator. MKT2024/0190_I
Photonic circuit for simultaneous multiple baseline cross-correlation computation of ultra-wide bandwidth signals Ref: MKT2024/0190_I
El repte/The challenge
The limitations of electronics and digital computing in processing signal correlations, especially with wide bandwidths, are well-known. While photonic-based correlators have the potential to address these limitations, they introduce significant challenges, including the need for precise optical phase stabilization, high sensitivity to environmental changes like vibrations and temperature, and the necessity for effective optical power amplification. These issues have historically hindered their commercial viability.
La tecnologia/The technology
Our device processes multiple RF signals and produces an output electrical signal with the cross-correlations for every possible pair of input signals, all in parallel, allowing for real-time operation regardless of the number of inputs. By leveraging mature photonic telecom technologies and off-the-shelf components, it provides a compact, cost-effective, and highly scalable solution that overcomes the typical challenges of existing correlator implementations. The technology is also ideal for integration, offering a lightweight, space-efficient option for on-board systems.
Avantatges innovadores/Innovative advantages
- Real-time computation of a large number of cross-correlations from multiple input signals
- Use of independent laser sources for each input, without any optical phase stabilization stage or laser sync, thus offering increased robustness to vibrations, temperature variations, and other external and internal sources of optical phase noise and simplifying optical power management
- Great scalability with number of input signals and bandwidth
- Compactness and potential for integration providing a lightweight, small footprint solution for on-board applications
Fase actual de desenvolupament/Current stage of development
The system's operation and procedure have been rigorously tested and validated through in-house coding and commercial simulation software (VPI Photonics). These simulations account for typical impairments and realistic parameters from readily available market components, including factors such as random phase noise from various sources, laser characteristics like linewidth and optical noise, and photodetector performance.
Aplicacions i mercat objectiu/Applications and target market
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
- Ultra wideband and fast cross-correlation computation of a large number of signals
The location of the maxima is tracked while the angle of incidence of the signal is vaired, for different laser linewidhts
Amplitude and angle of incidence simulations with 8 sparsely separated antennas for the array B
Oportunitats de negoci/Business opportunity
Tecnologia disponible per a ser llicenciada/Technology available to be licensed
Estat de la propietat intel·lectual i industrial/Intelectual property status
Patent sol·licitada/Applied patent
Contacte/Contact
Servei de Gestió de la Innovació
T. +34 934 13 76 23
gestio.innovacio@upc.edu