Abstract: A highly integrated miniature RF module includes a dielectric base board with opposing top and bottom metal layers and having interconnects traces, radio frequency (RF) circuits and semiconductor chips at the top metal layer and ground and signal pads at the bottom metal layer. Metalized vias extending through the dielectric material connect the top and bottom layers. A top cover made out of laminate material, such as FR-4, with opposing top and bottom metal layers and having machined compartments and channels, surrounded with arrays of metal plated vias extending through the laminate material, protects the RF circuits and chips and provide the required isolation and wave propagation.

Abstract: An acoustic/ultrasonic detection system can detect, for example, an object concealed under the clothing of a subject. The system includes a signal generator configured to output an electrical signal. An acoustic/ultrasonic transducer can be configured to convert the electrical signal into an acoustic/ultrasonic signal, transmit the acoustic/ultrasonic signal, receive a reflected acoustic/ultrasonic signal from an object in the target area and convert the reflected acoustic/ultrasonic signal into a received electrical signal. The transducer is at least one of an air-coupled transducer and an electro-magnetic acoustic transducer.

Abstract: Active and passive sub-millimeter wave RF and ultrasonic systems can be used to detect a concealed object, such as an object concealed under the clothing of a subject, and identify material properties of the object. A concealed object detection system can include an antenna configured to receive an RF signal in the sub-millimeter wave range, the RF signal having been emitted by an object, a detector configured to convert the RF signal into an electrical signal, a signal integrator configured to integrate the electrical signal and provide an integrated signal over an observation period and a processor configured to extract object information from the integrated signal. An object indication device provides an indication of a detected object and material properties of the detected object based on the extracted object information. The extracted object information can include object image data and object material identification data.

Abstract: Active and passive sub-millimeter wave RF and ultrasonic systems can be used to detect a concealed object, such as an object concealed under the clothing of a subject, and identify material properties of the object. A concealed object detection system can include an antenna configured to receive an RF signal in the sub-millimeter wave range, the RF signal having been emitted by an object, a detector configured to convert the RF signal into an electrical signal, a signal integrator configured to integrate the electrical signal and provide an integrated signal over an observation period and a processor configured to extract object information from the integrated signal. An object indication device provides an indication of a detected object and material properties of the detected object based on the extracted object information. The extracted object information can include object image data and object material identification data.

Abstract: Concealed object detection using electromagnetic and acoustic multistatic imaging systems and methods. A method of simultaneously screening plural subjects for concealed objects includes transmitting a signal into a screening area where there is at least one subject to be screened having an associated object, receiving a reflected signal from the object when the object is located within the screening area, processing the reflected signal using multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional image of the object and displaying the three-dimensional image. The transmitting and receiving are performed using a multi-directional array including at least three sensors. An object detection system includes a screening area, a multi-directional array including at least three sensors, a processor configured to execute multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction and a display.

Abstract: A highly integrated miniature RF module includes a dielectric base board with opposing top and bottom metal layers and having interconnects traces, radio frequency (RF) circuits and semiconductor chips at the top metal layer and ground and signal pads at the bottom metal layer. Metalized vias extending through the dielectric material connect the top and bottom layers. A top cover made out of laminate material, such as FR-4, with opposing top and bottom metal layers and having machined compartments and channels, surrounded with arrays of metal plated vias extending through the laminate material, protects the RF circuits and chips and provide the required isolation and wave propagation.

Abstract: An acoustic/ultrasonic detection system can detect, for example, an object concealed under the clothing of a subject. The system includes a signal generator configured to output an electrical signal. An acoustic/ultrasonic transducer can be configured to convert the electrical signal into an acoustic/ultrasonic signal, transmit the acoustic/ultrasonic signal, receive a reflected acoustic/ultrasonic signal from an object in the target area and convert the reflected acoustic/ultrasonic signal into a received electrical signal. The transducer is at least one of an air-coupled transducer and an electro-magnetic acoustic transducer.

Abstract: A millimeter-wave (MMW) based screening system is provided that may operate with an active sensor, a passive sensor, or in a dual mode using both the active and passive sensors. One or more such sensors are mounted so as to rotate along an axis that passes through a target region of detection, in which a person or object is positioned for screening. A reflector is disposed radially outward from the one or more rotating sensors to reflect MMW radiation between the sensors and the target region. The system may be employed as a portal screening system, and may include a structure having a wall and a roof, for rapidly screening persons for concealed objects. Algorithms may be employed to provide data output that avoids privacy issues.

Abstract: A small scale, concentrated solar power generation system includes a solar field of parabolic reflectors that may be located in proximity to load centers such that waste heat from the generation system may be employed in distributed, auxiliary applications.

Abstract: A millimeter-wave (MMW) based screening system is provided that may operate with an active sensor, a passive sensor, or in a dual mode using both the active and passive sensors. One or more such sensors are mounted so as to rotate along an axis that passes through a target region of detection, in which a person or object is positioned for screening. A reflector is disposed radially outward from the one or more rotating sensors to reflect MMW radiation between the sensors and the target region. The system may be employed as a portal screening system, and may include a structure having a wall and a roof, for rapidly screening persons for concealed objects. Algorithms may be employed to provide data output that avoids privacy issues.

Abstract: A modular linear solar energy collection system comprises one or more reflector units each having a light-weight generally planar aluminum frame that mounts a number of solar panels in a fixed position at angles which progressively increase from the frame centerline outwardly to its perimeter so as to collectively form a surface having a shape approximating that of a parabola. The focal line of such parabola is coincident with a secondary reflector which receives sunlight incident on the solar panels and reflects such light onto a receiver tube mounted in a fixed position concentric to the centerline of the frame. The frame is connected to a drive mechanism operative to pivot the frame and solar panels in order to track the position of the sun during the course of a day.

Abstract: A modular linear solar energy collection system comprises one or more reflector units each having a light-weight generally planar aluminum frame that mounts a number of solar panels in a fixed position at angles which progressively increase from the frame centerline outwardly to its perimeter so as to collectively form a surface having a shape approximating that of a parabola. Sunlight incident on the solar panels is reflected by a combination of secondary and tertiary reflectors onto a receiver tube mounted in a fixed position concentric to the centerline of the frame. The frame is connected to a drive mechanism operative to pivot the frame and solar panels in order to track the position of the sun during the course of a day.

Abstract: A modular linear Fresnel solar energy collection system comprises one or more reflector units having a number of spaced, elongated solar panels that extend between a pair of opposed, light-weight aluminum beams. A first drive mechanism rotates the solar panels at angles progressively increasing from the center of the two beams to their ends so that each panel reflects incident sunlight to a secondary reflector located above the panels. The secondary reflector, in turn, reflects the sunlight it receives from the solar panels onto a receiver tube mounted in a fixed position substantially concentric to a central axis extending between the two aluminum beams. A second drive mechanism is coupled to one of the beams which is operative to pivot the assembly of beams, solar panels and secondary reflector between a generally easterly direction and westerly direction in order to track the apparent movement of the sun during the course of a day.

Abstract: A Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV) module includes light weight housing, a number of Cassegrain type reflective solar concentrators, a number of multi-junction solar cells and a novel heat spreading system. The primary and secondary reflectors focus the sun over 500 times to maximize the amount of photons collected by the solar cells and converted to electricity. A newly designed soft board material provides coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched carrier for the solar cells and an efficient electrical connectivity method. The carrier board is attached to a specially formulated heat spreader that is specially formulated to conduct heat longitudinally away from the solar cells. The combination of the above creates CPV modules with the highest efficiency and lowest cost per Watt.

Abstract: Concealed object detection using electromagnetic and acoustic multistatic imaging systems and methods. A method of simultaneously screening plural subjects for concealed objects includes transmitting a signal into a screening area where there is at least one subject to be screened having an associated object, receiving a reflected signal from the object when the object is located within the screening area, processing the reflected signal using multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional image of the object and displaying the three-dimensional image. The transmitting and receiving are performed using a multi-directional array including at least three sensors. An object detection system includes a screening area, a multi-directional array including at least three sensors, a processor configured to execute multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction and a display.

Abstract: A MMIC includes at least one quadrature hybrid in a plurality of series connected amplifiers connected in two parallel gain stages and operatively connected to the at least one quadrature hybrid such that gain is equalized in the two parallel gain stages.

Abstract: A direct digital synthesizer (DDS) has reduced spurious signals and includes a DDS core that produces a digital representation of a signal to be synthesized. A plurality of DDS circuits are operatively connected to the DDS core, each having a digital-to-analog converter connected to the DDS core for receiving the digital representation and converting it into a signal. A modulator is operatively connected to an oscillator circuit and digital-to-analog converter for receiving signals from the digital-to-analog converter and producing a modulated output signal. The individual frequencies of the respective DDS circuits are randomly and continuously changed from each other. A mixer receives and mixes the modulated output signals from the plurality of DDS circuits to create a mixed output signal at a selected and fixed frequency.

Abstract: A Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV) module includes a metal frame, a plurality of Fresnel lenses, a secondary reflective or refractive concentrator, multi-junction solar cells with up to 40% efficiency and a novel heat spreading material. The Fresnel lenses and the secondary concentrator focus the sun over 500 times to maximize the amount of photons collected by the solar cells and converted to electricity. A newly designed soft board material provides coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched carrier for the solar cells and an efficient electrical connectivity method. The carrier board is attached to a specially formulated heat spreader made of graphite. At 40% the weight of aluminum and 18% the weight of copper, this specially formulated material offers thermal heat conductivity that is superior to copper. The combination of the above creates CPV modules with the highest efficiency and lowest cost per Watt.

Abstract: A millimeter-wave (MMW) based screening system is provided that may operate with an active sensor, a passive sensor, or in a dual mode using both the active and passive sensors. One or more such sensors are mounted so as to rotate along an axis that passes through a target region of detection, in which a person or object is positioned for screening. A reflector is disposed radially outward from the one or more rotating sensors to reflect MMW radiation between the sensors and the target region. The system may be employed as a portal screening system, and may include a structure having a wall and a roof, for rapidly screening persons for concealed objects. Algorithms may be employed to provide data output that avoids privacy issues.

Abstract: A radiometer system includes a dual channel, quadrature hybrid amplifier circuit that receives an antenna signal and a known reference signal to equalize gain in two parallel gain stages. A detector circuit receives a signal from the quadrature hybrid amplifier circuit and detects the signals to form a detected output for eliminating sensitivity to gain variations, improving dynamic range of the input signal, and reducing calibration requirements. A log ratio amplifier receives and linearizes the detected output. An integrator circuit receives a signal from the log ratio amplifier and sums the signal over an observation.