Multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture detection system

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common-aperture detection system, which relates to the field of radar optical composite detection technology. The present invention adopts the integrated information processing of the millimeter-wave tracking process and the optical imaging process; the multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common-aperture detection system includes a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, the first layer is a millimeter-wave array layer, the second layer is a comprehensive layer, and the third layer is a photonic chip layer. The present invention realizes an integrated coplanar design of the two through the multi-layer structural design of the millimeter-wave array, the lens imaging array, the millimeter-wave chip and the photonic chip. Common aperture detection includes a millimeter-wave tracking process and an optical imaging process, and the two can provide each other with target information to achieve precise tracking and accurate imaging. It has the advantages of photoelectric capture, millimeter-wave precise tracking and small size, and can meet the needs of small platform-borne detection such as space-based and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of radar optical composite detection, and in particular to a multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system. Background Art

[0002] The electromagnetic environment is becoming increasingly complex, and radar optical composite detection systems are widely used in various fields due to their strong anti-interference ability and high environmental adaptability.

[0003] For example, in the field of space exploration, continuous tracking and identification of space targets is typically achieved by coordinating ground-based optical systems with radar systems (i.e., radar-optical system collaboration). Another commonly used radar-optical composite detection system is the Cassegrain composite structure, which improves on the Cassegrain optical imaging system to enable it to receive and transmit microwave radar signals.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned radar optical system collaboration and Cassegrain composite structure designs have low integration and occupy a large space, which is not conducive to their widespread application in small platforms such as low-orbit satellites and drones. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (1) Technical problems solved

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture detection system, which solves the technical problem of different integration levels of existing radar optical composite detection systems.

[0007] (2) Technical solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0009] The present invention provides a multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system, which adopts the integrated information processing of millimeter wave tracking process and optical imaging process; the multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system includes a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, wherein

[0010] The first layer is the millimeter wave array layer, which includes a dielectric substrate and a millimeter wave array antenna disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate. The dielectric substrate adopts a slotted design, with the slot serving as a light aperture through which light enters the back layer for processing. The millimeter wave array antenna is used to transmit microwaves and receive microwaves reflected by the target.

[0011] The second layer is the integrated layer, which is equipped with a millimeter wave chip and a lens imaging array. The millimeter wave chip is attached to the bottom of the dielectric substrate and is used to transmit and receive millimeter waves and control the phase difference so that the main beam points to the target. The lens imaging array is arranged below the clear aperture. The light radiated by the target passes through the clear aperture and enters the lens imaging array. The lens imaging array receives the light radiated by the target and focuses the light to form a focused light.

[0012] The third layer is the photonic chip layer, which includes a photonic chip that performs photoelectric conversion and processing on the received focused light.

[0013] Preferably, the millimeter wave array antenna adopts an umbrella-rib-shaped radial line slit arrangement; the dielectric substrate is designed with an umbrella-rib-shaped radial line slit; and the lens imaging array is arranged in a radial line below the light aperture.

[0014] Preferably, the millimeter wave chip is attached to the bottom of the dielectric substrate using ball planting technology.

[0015] Preferably, the photonic chip adopts an integrated optical circuit design, including an optical nanoantenna array, an optical switch array, an arrayed waveguide grating array, a phase modulation array and an orthogonal photodetection array connected in sequence.

[0016] Preferably, the millimeter wave tracking process provides distance, radial length and position information for the optical imaging process.

[0017] Preferably, the optical imaging process provides target contour, grayscale features and spatial information for the millimeter wave tracking process.

[0018] Preferably, the millimeter wave tracking process includes beamforming, pulse compression, clutter filtering, Doppler processing, automatic detection and precise tracking.

[0019] Preferably, the optical imaging process includes baseline combination, complex coherent information extraction, spatial spectrum reconstruction, dirty map reconstruction and precise imaging.

[0020] (3) Beneficial effects

[0021] The present invention provides a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture detection system. Compared with the existing technology, it has the following advantages:

[0022] This paper proposes a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical co-aperture detection system. This system utilizes a multi-layered structure consisting of a millimeter-wave array, a lens imaging array, a millimeter-wave chip, and a photonic chip, achieving an integrated, coplanar design. Co-aperture detection incorporates millimeter-wave tracking and optical imaging processes, which mutually provide target information for precise tracking and imaging. This system combines the advantages of photoelectric capture, precise millimeter-wave tracking, and a compact size, meeting the needs of space-based detection systems and small-scale platforms such as drones. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture detection system;

[0025] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the photonic chip structure with variable baseline combination;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the baseline combination type;

[0027] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the common aperture integrated information processing flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] The embodiments of the present application solve the technical problem of different integration levels of existing radar optical composite detection systems by providing a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture detection system, and realize a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture design with high integration and light weight, which can be widely used in small platforms such as low-orbit satellites and drones.

[0030] The technical solution in the embodiments of the present application is to solve the above technical problems, and the overall idea is as follows:

[0031] The existing radar-optical composite detection system has the problems of low integration, large space occupation, and inconsistent time and space references, which is not conducive to its widespread application in small platforms such as low-orbit satellites and drones.

[0032] To address these issues, embodiments of the present invention propose a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical co-aperture detection system. This system utilizes a multi-layered structure consisting of a millimeter-wave array, a lens imaging array, a millimeter-wave chip, and a photonic chip, achieving an integrated, coplanar design. Co-aperture detection incorporates millimeter-wave tracking and optical imaging, which mutually provide target information for precise tracking and imaging. This system combines the advantages of photoelectric capture, precise millimeter-wave tracking, and a compact size, meeting the needs of space-based detection and detection on small platforms such as drones.

[0033] In order to better understand the above technical solution, the above technical solution will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0034] The present invention provides a multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system, which uses millimeter wave tracking and optical imaging integrated information processing, such as Figure 1 As shown, it adopts a multi-layer structure design.

[0035] The first layer is the millimeter wave array layer, comprising a dielectric substrate 2 and a millimeter wave array antenna 1 disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 2. The dielectric substrate 2 is slotted, with the slot serving as a light aperture 4 through which light enters the subsequent layer for processing. The millimeter wave array antenna 1 is used to transmit microwaves and receive microwaves reflected by a target.

[0036] The second layer is the integrated layer, which is equipped with a millimeter wave chip 3 and a lens imaging array 5. The millimeter wave chip 3 is attached to the bottom of the dielectric substrate 2 and is used to transmit and receive millimeter waves and control the phase difference so that the main beam is directed to the target. The lens imaging array 5 is arranged below the clear aperture 4. The light radiated by the target passes through the clear aperture 4 and enters the lens imaging array 5. The lens imaging array 5 receives the light radiated by the target and focuses the light to form a focused light.

[0037] The third layer is a photonic chip layer, which includes a photonic chip 6. The photonic chip 6 performs photoelectric conversion and processing on the received focused light.

[0038] This embodiment of the present invention proposes a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical co-aperture detection system. This system utilizes a multi-layered structure consisting of a millimeter-wave array, a lens imaging array, a millimeter-wave chip, and a photonic chip, achieving an integrated, coplanar design. Co-aperture detection incorporates millimeter-wave tracking and optical imaging processes, which mutually provide target information for precise tracking and imaging. This system combines the advantages of photoelectric capture, precise millimeter-wave tracking, and a compact size, meeting the needs of space-based detection systems and small-scale platforms such as drones.

[0039] The following is a detailed description of each layer of the multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture detection system:

[0040] In the first layer, millimeter-wave array antenna 1 utilizes microstrip patch antenna units, configured for coaxial feeding (other feeding methods are also acceptable). The coaxial feed passes through the dielectric substrate and is directly soldered to the top surface of the millimeter-wave array antenna 1 (microstrip patch antenna). The millimeter-wave array antenna 1 utilizes an umbrella-rib-like radiating slot arrangement, and the dielectric substrate 2 also features an umbrella-rib-like radiating slot design. Compared to a mesh-like slot arrangement, this design reduces the number of microstrip patch antennas and facilitates the design of a combination of baseline numbers and lengths for different scenarios. The slots in the dielectric substrate 2 serve as clear apertures 4, allowing light radiated from the target to enter subsequent processing layers through the slots. The dielectric substrate 2 integrates power splitting and power distribution networks. The power splitting network distributes millimeter-wave chip power to multiple millimeter-wave antennas, and the power distribution network provides power to multiple millimeter-wave chips.

[0041] In the second layer, a millimeter-wave chip 3 is attached to the dielectric substrate 2 using ball-mounting technology. It can transmit and receive millimeter waves and control phase differences to align the main beam with the target. A lens imaging array 5, consisting of multiple lens groups arranged in an umbrella-like pattern with radial lines below the clear aperture 4, collects optical information and couples it to the photonic chip layer.

[0042] In the third layer, the photonic chip obtains the spatial frequency information of the target through multi-baseline interferometry processing, and the amplitude and phase information of the acquired target complex coherence factor can be used for imaging.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, taking a single baseline 6-lens design as an example, the photonic chip adopts an integrated optical circuit design, including an optical nanoantenna array 60, an optical switch array 61, an arrayed waveguide grating array 62, a phase modulation array 63 and an orthogonal photodetection array 64.

[0044] The optical nanoantenna array 60 can be used to collect light of different spatial frequencies focused by the lens arrays a, b, c, d, e, and f, and then perform back-end multiplexing. The optical switch array 61 is used to switch the light path and to switch between different operating modes (different baseline combinations).

[0045] The arrayed waveguide grating array 62 performs optical splitting and multiplexing on the light waves output by the optical waveguide, and can divide the split wavelengths according to the number of wavelength channels of the arrayed waveguide grating array 62 to obtain narrow spectrum bands that are easy to interfere and process.

[0046] The phase modulation array 63 can adopt a delay line, thermal phase modulation, electrical phase modulation, optical phase modulation and other designs to adjust the phases of the two optical paths to achieve interference.

[0047] The orthogonal photodetection array 64 completes the photoelectric conversion of each channel and obtains the phase and amplitude information of each channel for imaging processing.

[0048] See Figure 3The baseline combination is completed by switching the path of the optical switch array. The concentrated area of ​​the target spatial frequency can be inferred based on the spatial frequency obtained by sampling, and then the baseline is combined to the target spatial frequency area to achieve precise imaging. Figure 2 The following briefly lists the designs of two operating modes, 1 and 2. Operating mode 1 provides a baseline combination of (a, f), (b, e), and (c, d), with partial spatial frequency coverage. Operating mode 2 provides a baseline combination of (a, f), (b, d), and (c, e), with partial spatial frequency coverage. Alternatively, operating mode 3 can be designed to provide a baseline combination of (a, b), (a, c), (a, d), (a, e), (a, f), (b, c), (b, d), (b, e), (b, f), (c, d), (c, e), (c, f), (d, e), (d, f), and (e, f), with full spatial frequency coverage. Operating modes are flexible and versatile. Due to the difficulty of the process, the chip can be pre-designed for multiple operating modes based on actual scenarios. With technological innovation, digital baseline combinations that are not subject to fixed designs can also be designed.

[0049] See Figure 4 The common-aperture integrated information processing process includes a millimeter-wave tracking process and an optical imaging process, which can provide each other with target information to achieve precise tracking and accurate imaging.

[0050] The millimeter wave tracking process includes beamforming (transmission and reception can form a directional beam), pulse compression, clutter filtering, Doppler processing, automatic detection and precise tracking.

[0051] The optical imaging process includes baseline combination, complex coherent information extraction, spatial spectrum reconstruction, dirty image reconstruction and precise imaging.

[0052] The optical imaging process can provide the millimeter wave tracking process with target outlines, grayscale characteristics, and spatial information, enabling beamforming to roughly point, thereby achieving tracking and obtaining information about the target area. The optical imaging process provides precise target imaging information, thereby facilitating the millimeter wave tracking process to achieve precise tracking.

[0053] The millimeter wave tracking process can provide distance, radial length and position information for the optical imaging process, infer the concentrated area of ​​the target spatial frequency, and then combine the baseline to the target spatial frequency area to achieve precise imaging.

[0054] In summary, compared with the existing technology, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0055] 1. This embodiment of the present invention proposes a multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical co-aperture detection system. This system utilizes a multi-layered structure consisting of a millimeter-wave array, a lens imaging array, a millimeter-wave chip, and a photonic chip, achieving an integrated, coplanar design. Co-aperture detection incorporates millimeter-wave tracking and optical imaging, which mutually provide target information for precise tracking and imaging. This system combines the advantages of photoelectric capture, precise millimeter-wave tracking, and a compact size, meeting the needs of space-based detection and detection on small platforms such as drones.

[0056] 2. The millimeter-wave array antenna uses an umbrella-shaped radial slit arrangement, and the dielectric substrate also has an umbrella-shaped radial slit design as the light-transmitting aperture. The lens is arranged in an umbrella-shaped radial line in the light-transmitting aperture. Compared with the mesh slit design, this design can reduce the loss of the number of microstrip patch antennas and is conducive to the combination design of the number and length of baselines in different scenarios.

[0057] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply the existence of any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0058] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system, characterized in that: The multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system adopts the integrated information processing of millimeter wave tracking process and optical imaging process; the multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system includes a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, wherein The first layer is a millimeter wave array layer, which includes a dielectric substrate and a millimeter wave array antenna arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate; The dielectric substrate adopts a slotted design, with the slots serving as light apertures, through which light enters the back layer for processing; The millimeter wave array antenna is used to transmit microwaves and receive microwaves reflected by the target; The second layer is the integrated layer, which is equipped with millimeter wave chips and lens imaging arrays; The millimeter wave chip is attached to the bottom of the dielectric substrate and is used to transmit and receive millimeter waves and control the phase difference so that the main beam points to the target; The lens imaging array is arranged below the clear aperture, and the light radiated by the target enters the lens imaging array through the clear aperture. The lens imaging array receives the light radiated by the target and focuses the light to form focused light; The third layer is the photonic chip layer, which includes a photonic chip that performs photoelectric conversion and processing on the received focused light.

2. The multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The millimeter wave array antenna adopts an umbrella-shaped radial line slot arrangement; the dielectric substrate is designed with an umbrella-shaped radial line slot; and the lens imaging array is arranged in a radial line below the light aperture.

3. The multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The millimeter wave chip is attached to the bottom of the dielectric substrate by using ball planting technology.

4. The multi-layer integrated millimeter-wave optical common aperture detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The photonic chip adopts an integrated optical circuit design, including an optical nanoantenna array, an optical switch array, an arrayed waveguide grating array, a phase modulation array and an orthogonal photodetection array connected in sequence.

5. The multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The millimeter wave tracking process provides distance, radial length and position information to the optical imaging process.

6. The multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The optical imaging process provides the millimeter wave tracking process with target contours, grayscale features, and spatial information.

7. The multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The millimeter wave tracking process includes beamforming, pulse compression, clutter filtering, Doppler processing, automatic detection and precise tracking.

8. The multi-layer integrated millimeter wave optical common aperture detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The optical imaging process includes baseline combination, complex coherent information extraction, spatial spectrum reconstruction, dirty image reconstruction and precise imaging.

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