Millimeter-wave Imaging using optical upconversion detectors - art. no. 67390R

In previous publications, we have described a novel technique for millimeter-wave detection based on optical upconversion, carrier suppression, and photodetection. Using these techniques, we have been able to achieve NETD's as low as 1K/root Hz in both 35 GHz and 95 GHz atmospheric transmission windows. These results were obtained without the use of millimeter-wave LNA's or cryogenic cooling, which have previously been requirements for reaching these performance levels. In this proceeding, we detail efforts to create a scanning single-pixel imager based on this detector technology. The configuration developed uses a larger 60 cm aperture in a Cassegrain configuration, which is mounted on a gimbal for far-field imaging. The described system has been used to collect data for perception experiments on the identification of small watercraft and some of the imagery collected in that experiment is presented herein. In addition, we discuss phenomenological observations noted during this data collection.