SBIR Phase I: STELLA – SATCOM TECHNOLOGY OF ELABORATE LUNEBURG LENS ANTENNA

该小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力包括高性能，低成本，可靠，新颖的天线，具有1000 Gb（Tb）的高数据带宽和1000 Gb/s（Tb/s）的高数据速率速度。这种天线的性能提高，由于其3D快速原型打印制造而具有成本效益，以及易于集成到现有技术中，可能会促进无线通信的普及。该天线可以实现全球连接，并且增加地球仪的先前无法到达的区域对互联网/电话连接的访问，特别是对处境不利和服务不足的社区。高数据带宽和速率将对科学界和基于数据传输的技术产生积极影响，如远程学习，远程医疗保健（远程手术、患者咨询）、国防工业、远程工作（于2019冠状病毒病大流行期间在家工作），该天线的技术优势和低成本支持了预期的商业成功。第一阶段项目解决了两个新兴无线通信系统的关键挑战：LEO-SATCOM（低地球轨道-卫星通信）和5G移动的电话/互联网。该项目将开发一种独特的天线技术，该技术将集成到卫星网关、5G地面终端和在轨卫星中。天线的宽孔径角提供了宽扫描角能力，能够连接到高度倾斜的卫星。该天线还能够进行多波束分析，以便能够同时跟踪多颗卫星，并确保在发射期间没有停机时间。该辐射波束图具有高增益（等效各向同性辐射功率）、极窄波束宽度和低交叉极化的优异特性。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project include a high performance, low cos, dependable, novel antenna with high data bandwidth in 1000s of Gb (Tb) and high data rate speeds in 1000s of Gb/s (Tb/s). The elevated performance of this antenna, the cost effectiveness due to its 3D rapid prototype printing fabrication, and the easy integration to existing technologies may promote proliferation of wireless communications. The antenna may enable global connectivity and increase access to internet/phone connectivity for previously inaccessible areas of the globe, especially to disadvantaged and underserved communities. The high data bandwidth and speed rates will positively impact the scientific community and technologies based on data transfer such as remote learning, remote healthcare (remote surgery, patient consultation), the defense industry, telework (work from home during this COVID-19 pandemic), etc. The antenna’s technical superiority and low cost support substantial anticipated commercial success.This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses critical challenges in the two emerging wireless communications systems: LEO-SATCOM (Low Earth Orbit – Satellite Communications) and 5G mobile phone/internet. This project will develop a unique antenna technology that will be integrated into satellite gateways, 5G ground terminals and also satellites in orbit. The wide aperture angle of the antenna provides a wide scanning angle capability that enables connection to highly inclined satellites. The antenna is also capable of multi-beam analysis to enable the simultaneous tracking of multiple satellites and to insure no down time during handoffs. The radiation beam pattern has excellent characteristics of high gain (Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power), very narrow beamwidth, and low cross polarization.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.