TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY System and Method for Multi-body Coherent Aperture Synthesis

Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its novel System and Method for Multi-body Coherent Aperture Synthesis technology. Background: A conventional radar system requires a large antenna to generate high-resolution images. There are practical limitations to the size of a single point antenna. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology was developed to address this limitation by simulating a large antenna by combining data acquired by a moving antenna at multiple locations or from multiple antennas (sub-apertures) spaced apart that are synchronized to receive the coherent signals. High-resolution imagery or remote sensing information can then be generated from the reflection of coherent signals. Description: If location and timing information can be collected with great accuracy, high-resolution radar-imaging can be achieved from signal data collected by a sub-aperture constellation in motion. A key part of how the technology works is instead of mechanical links between sub-apertures, they are replaced with wireless directional information links that provide the communication, timing synchronization and ranging information (a minimum of three nodes in the network is necessary to ensure relative position). This architecture allows small sub-apertures that are located on multiple separate platforms (bodies) to be in motion while still maintaining a coherent aperture (effectively a single large aperture), thus providing signal performance comparable to one exceptionally large conventional radar antenna. Advantages/Benefits: This technology eliminates the need for a very large antenna/aperture to receive high resolution radar signals. Instead, a multi-body constellation of separate, less expensive smaller sub-apertures installed on various separate platforms could be used to generate high-resolution radar mapping or remote sensing information. Potential Applications: Use of the technology in space include monitoring space objects and assisting national security missions. Astronomy applications (astronomical measurements, planetary mapping) can benefit from smaller and less expensive RF signal receivers. Air applications (e.g. drone) include high resolution ocean floor topography and terrestrial mapping as well as national security applications. It could also be used for ocean recovery operations of manmade objects (e.g. lost planes, ships on the seabed) not typically observable in low resolution radar systems or in deep oceans. Development Status: LLNL has filed for patent protection on this technology. Current stage of technology development: 4-5 LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's System and Method for Multi-body Coherent Aperture Synthesis technology should provide a written statement of interest, which includes the following: 1. Company Name and address. 2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. 3. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O. Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: IL-13667 Please provide your written statement within thirty (30) days from the date this announcement is published to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's System and Method for Multi-body Coherent Aperture Synthesis.