MagDie- Magneto-dielectric Antennas for Broadband HF Sensing

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Sensing and Cyber The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Applicants must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Applicants are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: This topics seeks to demonstrate a wide-band and compact magneto-dielectric antenna operating in the 2MHz to 30MHz receiver range with a large bandwidth compared with current capabilities. The end state is to demonstrate an improved range of communication links between an airborne UAV and its airborne controlling host using these novel permeable antenna designs. The application is to address an emerging priority need from the Global Integrated ISR community to sense high-frequency signals (HF, nominally 2-30 MHz) at standoff ranges from compact antenna structures, enabling future applications. DESCRIPTION: Traditional electrical antenna designs to meet such needs revert to very large structures often towed lines or long loop-wires which are long, bulky, and while they can provide SIGINT capabilities, exceptional care must be taken for employment for direction-finding activity, as the body of the platform they are on perturbs the very signals being collected. Another approach is to attempt structurally integrated antennas--meaning use of the air-structure itself, usually with additional protrusions and alterations in order to amplify and collect these lower band signals. The structurally integrated approach requires a complex and intricate electromagnetic model of the platform, and any subsequent alteration to the structure will alter the response to incoming signals of interest, making the technique highly platform and configuration specific. The opportunity is to build upon proven prior demonstration in permeable antennas and tailor both the materials selection choice, deposition method, and magneto-dielectric antenna design to demonstrate affordable, high-performance receivers in the HF band that are ~10x more compact, have wideband performance (cover the entire 2-30 MHz range), and just as importantly has a path to platform-independent design and implementation. This includes the use of UAS systems for potential distributed sensing and geolocation applications, previously thought untenable. PHASE I: This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, a Phase I award is not required. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct to Phase II proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a Phase I-like effort, including a feasibility study. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the AF customer. Phase I type efforts include modeling of the effectiveness of the mechanical systems on known RF systems utilizing real world data. Phase I type efforts would also include exploration of a solution space and consideration of the known parameters for magneto-dielectric antennas. PHASE II: Eligibility for a Direct to Phase Two (D2P2) is predicated on the applicant having performed a Phase I-like effort predominantly separate from the SBIR/STTR Programs. These efforts will include development and evaluation of M& tools, simulation of prototype concepts, and definition of the trade space. Phase II efforts shall conduct analysis, further M&S optimization and experimentation on prototype(s) to address military-unique requirements. Specific attention shall be paid to manufacturing readiness, preliminary costing, and Air Force logistical considerations. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III shall include upgrades to the analysis, further M&S, test and evaluation results, and provide delivery of system concepts. Phase III shall provide a business and manufacturing plan including cost and further ruggedization if needed. Delivery of a field ready system for deployment at test ranges for testing purposes and blue force practice against such systems is desired, as well as a high manufacturing readiness enabling further procurement. REFERENCES: 1. Magneto-dielectric characterization and antenna design, 2014 IEEE 64th Electronic Components and Technology Conference (ECTC), ISBN:978-1-4799-2407-3. KEYWORDS: magneto-dielectric antennas