SITIS Topic Details |
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| Proposals Accepted: | |
| Program: | SBIR |
| Topic Number: | AF103-037 (AirForce) |
| Title: | Terahertz Spectrum Analyzer | Research & Technical Areas: | Biomedical, Sensors |
| Objective: | Develop a prototype that can measure frequency and intensity of a tunable Terahertz (THz) source for THz bioeffects research studies.
| Description: | One primary research objective at RHDR is to investigate the interaction of biological systems with directed energy sources. The majority of previous work accomplished at RHDR has been conducted in the radio frequency range, 3KHz-300GHz. However, more recent laboratory research efforts have begun to examine the effects of radiation in part of the Terahertz (THz) frequency range, 0.1 to 10.0 THz. Given the recent development of numerous applications using THz radiation, such as full-body image scanners now being used at airports, knowledge of THz specific bio-effects is an immediate issue. As the terahertz technology is growing, more high power sources are being developed. Both the Army and AFRL are developing sources used for battle field imaging ranging in 500mW of power. The current bioeffects data taken at ranges .05-.23 mW/cm2 (3&4) isn’t sufficient to predict the effects of these high power terahertz sources. These studies represent a small subset of the research needed to fully characterize the risks from these high power sources. To properly address this challenge sensitive tools are desired to accurately characterize the relationship between a delivered THz dose and the bioeffect. To understand the bioeffects of these systems, a coherent THz spectrum analyzer across a large span of frequency bands is needed for current research. Yokoyama et al. recently demonstrated a THz spectrum analyzer in high RF and low THz ranges (1), but comparable technologies do not exist for higher THz frequencies. The current imaging technologies under development demand an analysis of higher terahertz frequencies and for a larger frequency bandwidth. The source of the terahertz is generally assumed to be single frequency, but is likely to have other frequency content due to the laser generation of the signal. A spectrum analysis capability would be invaluable to research and field safety measurements. Most detectors are incoherent or spectrospic (2), which provide partial information needed for analysis. The difference between spectroscopy methods and a spectrum analyzer is that the spectrum analyzer gathers the frequency content of the signal, while spectroscopy provides information about the interaction of the electromagnetic radiation with a material. The work that RHDR is researching requires a .1 to 10THz frequency span with the potential to go to 100THz, and a measureable power level of 0-200mW. The resolution bandwidth should be approximately 10GHz. The prototype should include sensors, data processing and display capabilities, very similar to an RF spectrum analyzer with probes.
| PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of a terahertz spectrum analyzer. Determine the sensor, data processing and display capabilities. Provide a design prototype to meet the requirements of the topic.
| PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate and validate a system of probes, processors and software that can cover the desired frequency ranges and powers.
| PHASE III: Dual-use Commercialization: Use by industry, academia and government to measure the quality of the Terahertz sources such as full body imagers.
| References: | 1. Yokoyama S, Nakamura R, Nose M, Tsutomu A, Yasui T. Terahertz spectrum analyzer based on a terahertz frequency comb. OPTICS EXPRESS. 16(17). 13052-13061(2008) 2. Lee, Yun-Shik. Principles of Terahertz Science and Technology. New York: Springer-Verlag. 2008. p. 5-6 3. Zeni, O., et al., Cytogenic ovservations in human peripheral blood leukocytes following in vitro exposure to THz radioation: a pilot study. Halth Phys, 2007, 92(4): p. 349-357. 4. Korenstein-Ilan, A., et al., Terahertz radiation increases geonic instability in human lymphocytes. Ratiation Research, 2008: p. 224-234 |
| Keywords: | Terahertz, Spectrum Analyzer, Directed Energy, Radio Frequency Radiation, Power Detection, Intensity Detection, Frequency Processing |
Questions and Answers: |
Q: Are you interested in development of the compact high power tunable Terahertz (THz) source for THz bioeffects research studies. |
A: This question is not within the scope of the current SBIR topic. |
Q: Is the source that you want to characterize continuous or pulsed? |
A: The beam would be both CW and Pulsed an example PRI is around 2MHz, but should be variable to accommodate several sources. |
Q: What are the spatial beam profile and polarization of the THz source? |
A: The beam profile is modular because of the varying frequency of a molecular gas Terahertz source. The polarization is also varying due to frequency the options are: polarized both vertical and horizontal as well as non polarized. |
Q: Are there any target specifications for size, weight and power? |
A: There are no restrictions. Somewhat portable would be ideal (rack mountable). |
Q: 1. Is the specified power range of 0 to 200 mW continous or peak? |
A: Depends on whether the system is measuring a CW source or Pulsed. The minimum power level would be .1mW. |
Q: In Phase I is feasibility to be demonstrated experimentally or through simulation? Could a Phase I demonstration be carried out in the near IR (3 micron wavelength=100 THz) with a design that could be scaled to work throughout the 0.1 to 100 THz range? |
A: As part of the SBIR program we cannot tell you how to go about your research and development. Our recommendation is that for you to carefully research how you would meet the requirements and show how your feasibility would be scaled realistically. |
Q: Is the resolution bandwidth of 10 GHz required throughout the frequency range of interest, up to 100 THz? |
A: Most likely the bandwidth resolution will have to be scalable to be realistic. Perhaps the ranges should be researched a bit. |
Q: 1. Must the instrument be able to cover the entire span of 0.1 to 10 THz seemlessly, or can this range be divided into more manageable frequency bands? |
A: One system for the .1-10THz would be ideal, however multiple bands would be considered. |
Q: Are you looking for a passive system (no source), or could it be active too (with a source)? |
A: There isn't a requirement on passive or active system. However the system must meet the other requirements. In addition with which ever design is chosen, it should account for the systems interaction with the beam. For instance if the active system changes the beam profile somehow that should be documented. |
Q: 1. What is the applied platform? |
A: . . . response pending . . . |
Q: One of the Phase I tasks reads "Provide a design prototype to meet the requirements of the topic". Does this statement imply a paper design or physical hardware? |
A: . . . response pending . . . |
As of midnight September 1, questions for solicitations SBIR 10.3 and STTR 10.B will no longer be accepted.
To read the solicitation for full proposal preparation and submission details click here. |