BACKGROUND:  Known probing and receiver systems use metal electrodes, transmission lines, and antennas which are susceptible to, and can be severely damaged by, HEMP attacks. The metal components can also significantly change the field pattern adjacent to conventional receivers. Furthermore, known systems lack high sensitivity.

INNOVATION:  The novel technology enables coexistence with or complete replacement of conventional RF receivers. It can provide a non-intrusive detector and/or a fully isolated all-dielectric RF front-end, compatible with high-frequency wireless and radar. The electronic circuitry is protected from HEMPs while avoiding the use of susceptible metallic sensing and transmission components. Furthermore, the technology provides sensitivity enhancement by concentrating received RF power, while maintaining a non-intrusive field pattern and improved stealth performance.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• High frequency wireless and radar RF receiver with maximized sensitivity enhancement and immunity to HEMP attacks.
• Non-intrusive field probe for detecting HEMP attacks.
• Coexistence with conventional receivers without significantly changing the surrounding field pattern.

ADVANTAGES

• Isolates electronic circuitry completely from unwanted RF electromagnetic fields.
• Maintains a high quality factor and compact size.
• Provides excellent high-sensitivity using an all-dielectric antenna which behaves as an RF power concentrator.
• Obtains a modulation response at high RF frequencies up to tens of GHz.
• Mitigates damage from high-power electro-magnetic pulses (HEMPs).
• Improves stealth performance by reducing radar cross section of RF receiver.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2006-090