Advanced Optical Processor for Arbitrary Waveform Radar Imaging

Essex has developed a prototype hybrid optical/digital processor for range-Doppler image formation using wideband arbitrary waveforms. The processor is called the advanced optical processor (AOP) and is a hybrid acousto-optic/digital processor that generates high dynamic range, range-Doppler images from wideband radar returns in real time. The AOP was first tested at a U.S. Government facility in November 2005. The AOP is currently scheduled to be tested with a range radar in April 2006. The laboratory testing included three waveform types and verification of all the necessary trigger control signals. The range radar testing will include collection and processing of the same three waveform signals to demonstrate arbitrary waveform capability. The AOP supports high resolution processing necessary for target discrimination and kill assessment by enabling the use of true arbitrary wideband waveforms. The selected architecture combines the advantages of both optical signal processing for the front-end receiver and high-speed digital signal processing for the real-time processing. Its size is a 6U form-factor and fits within the 6U electronic chassis