Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N152-081

Description

To address the Navys need for a curved, conformal, low-profile and broadband (HFUHF) magnetic flux channel antenna, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Conformal Magnetic Broadband Antenna (COMBA). This proposed device is based on a new conformal loop geometry that uses COTS moldable ferromagnetic material that is embedded with electrically-insulated iron particles that exhibits high magnetic flux, low-loss characteristics and allows it to be easily fabricated into a curved magnetic flux channel antenna that will extend the Navys communication capabilities. Specifically, the innovation in the geometry design of the antenna will enable the device to radiate effectively and efficiently on a curved surface with frequency-independent characteristics in impedance and radiation pattern. As a result, POC anticipates broadband frequency range (HFUHF), gain greater than 0 dBi, and VSWR better than 2.5:1 across the frequency range, directly addressing the Navy requirements. In Phase I, POC will perform tradeoff analysis to meet performance requirements and demonstrate the feasibility of COMBA through simulation, design, and prototype testing of an antenna. In Phase II, POC plans to further develop a COMBA prototype, improving SWaP, frequency range, and to conduct simulations on a modeled aircraft to prove its mission worthiness.