NIR Emulation of Microwave Backscattering Measurement Using RF Photonics

We present the first extreme-scaled (1:100,000) radar cross-section (RCS) measurement range with simultaneous down- and cross-range measurement capabilities leveraging the near-infrared light (NIR). The system is a faithful emulation of a conventional microwave RCS measurement range, but with much reduced size. The target cross-range RCS profile is derived from rotation induced Doppler frequency shift. The down-range RCS profile measurement is facilitated by autocorrelation of wideband optical noise. Proof-of-concept measurements were performed using 3D Nanoscribe printed models. This RF photonics measurement technique represents a new tool for RCS measurements for complex and large electromagnetic structures.