2006 hrl annual report

2 ANNUAL REPORT 2006

To enhance our position as a world-class R&D Lab and become:

� Increasingly valued by our LLC Members, customers, and employees� Increasingly respected by our peers in the scientific community

To create sustained competitive advantages forour LLC Members and customers by:

� Developing innovative technical solutions that:� Solve important, technically challenging national and global problems� Create significant value for our customers

� We will accomplish this by� Attracting and maintaining world-class technical talent and leadership� Serving the needs of our customers� Working together to accelerate transfer of technology solutions

4 FROM OUR CEO6 OUR STRENGTH IS OUR STAFF8 ADVANCED MATERIALS

10 ALGORITHMS AND INFORMATION12 ANTENNAS14 COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING16 COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS18 DIGITAL AND MIXED SIGNALS SUBSYSTEMS

20 LASERS22 PHOTONICS24 RF ANALOG26 SENSORS28 HRL IN MALIBU30 PATENTS ISSUED TO HRL IN 200632 HRL IN THE NEWS33 HIGHLIGHTS

CONTENTS

VISION

MISSION


Dr. Matthew GanzPresident & CEO

2006 has seen HRL Laboratories, LLCcontinue its long tradition of innovation with the development of new and excit-ing technologies that address the critical needs of our Limited Liability Company(LLC) Members and other customers. It was also a year that marked a continu-ing transition and dedication to investing in people, technologies, and facilitiesthat position us for growth in the years to come.

In this Annual Report, we proudly highlight some of the most sig-nificant technical accomplishments of our staff from 2006.HRL employ-ees remain the backbone of our operation. Among our technical staff, an outstand-ing 97% hold advanced degrees, with 77% having earned doctorates. Our teamscontinued their strong record of innovation with 150 invention disclosures.

In 2006, we focused on creating improved organizations, processes, and exe-cution strategies that will enable us to become both more innovative and betterable to fulfill our mission.

To that effect, we created two new organizations during the year: theApplied Electromagnetics Laboratory and the Program Development Office.The Applied Electromagnetics Laboratory is a new technical laboratory that joinsour existing Microelectronics, Sensors and Materials and Information andSystems Sciences Laboratories. The Applied Electromagnetics Laboratory willfocus on the application of electromagnetics, physics, RF technologies, and opticsto address emerging technology and market opportunities.

The Program Development Office designed and implemented several newprocesses aimed at identifying and developing innovative new technologies. Itwill improve HRL’s strategic business relationships and proposal developmentprocesses and strategic business relationships in order to increase our governmentand commercial revenues. Our ProgramDevelopment staff also had considerablesuccess in turning our ever-growing intellectual property portfolio into a source

of revenue. We completed several patent licenses in 2006, and we expect signifi-cantly expanded licensing activities in 2007.

During 2006, we also emphasized the creation of better internalprocesses. That effort successfully resulted in AS9100 certification for our space-qualified electronics production processes. Based on this achievement, we now planto expand AS9100-like controls across many of our other key production and busi-ness processes.

The changes we undertook in 2006 are already producing results.We redoubled our efforts to get to know our customers, as well as their currentand future critical needs. Our program and staff management is more rigorousand we are kicking up our performance standard from “customer satisfac-tion” to “customer delight.”

During 2006, when LLC Members Boeing and General Motors pur-chased Raytheon’s equity position in HRL, we faced a unique set of chal-lenges. We were successful in transitioning Raytheon from being an LLCMember to being our most valued commercial customer. We look forwardto continuing this strong relationship and to growing similarly strongrelationships with new commercial customers.

As we look ahead, we anticipate delighting our LLC Members andother customers with cutting-edge technologies that solve their most cru-cial problems while creating exciting new opportunities for HRLLaboratories.

In the following pages, you will get just a glimpse of some ofthe exciting work that we are doing.We’ve organized this report tohighlight our ten key technology focus areas and to share our enthusi-asm with you.We hope that you agree with us that there has never beena more exciting time to be in the technology business. �

Dr. Conilee KirkpatrickVice-President

OUR STRENGTH IS OUR STAFF…

HRL’s focus on value added research for our LLC Members, overall customer sat-isfaction and innovation would not be possible without a total commitment fromexceptional people throughout the organization. HRL is in the business of attract-ing and retaining the best talent available. To this end, we offer a unique environ-ment of basic and applied research, an organization that allows and encourages cre-ative freedom, surrounded by a small company atmosphere.

Our scientists come from the graduate programs (77% PhD and 20% MS) ofrenowned universities around the world in a wide array of technical disciplines. It isthis depth and breadth that not only provides answers to our customers, but providesa diversity of people and thought to our Company and its solutions. HRL believesstrongly that diversity and inclusiveness provide a competitive advantage in today’smarketplace. Our people do make the difference. Ph.D.

M.S.

B.S.

20%

77%

3%

28%

40%

12%

20%

MICROELECTRONICS LAB

INFORMATION AND SYSTEMS SCIENCES LAB

SENSORS AND MATERIALS LAB

APPLIED ELECTROMAGNETICS LAB

HRL LABORATORIES 9

� Bio-inspired materials � Novel fuel cells and fuel cell reactions � Nanostructured and hierarchical materials �

ADVANCED MATERIALS ARE THE FOUNDATION of new functionality, higherperformance, lighter weight and affordability. HRL advances the state of theart in materials science and chemistry by developing and maturing promisingtechnologies that can differentiate our customers’ next generation productsand services. Our multidisciplinary science and engineering teams work fromthe atomic to the macroscopic levels in search of innovative solutions thataddress the needs of the future.

ADAPTIVE MATERIALS

AND RECONFIGURABLE STRUCTURES

In the areas of adaptive materials and reconfigurable structures, imagine light-weight foam that is as stiff as steel, or being able to change the shape of astructure at the flick of a switch. HRL scientists and engineers use theiradvanced knowledge in materials science, mechanics, physics, and chemistryto investigate and develop these concepts and others like them. We create thelatest smart and biologically-inspired materials technologies in research pro-grams on mechanical actuation, morphing, and materials that adapt theirshapes to different conditions. We pioneered the development of novel com-posite materials of variable stiffness that are the basis for morphing and on-demand structural control. HRL has also developed innovative high-strain,high-force mechanisms with superior energy density for ultra-compact actua-tion and innovative distributed control mechanisms. These can make even

large structural surfaces reconfigurable. We have also created processes forarchitecting microscale materials to provide high mechanical strength withminimal weight, as well as biologically-inspired chemical processes for thecontrol and assembly of materials at the nano (billionth of a meter) level. Thesenew synthetic routes provide pathways to ultra-lightweight structures andembedded functions such as vibration damping, thermal regulation, and ener-gy storage.

ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

Because the reliable availability of energy is a major requirement for the opera-tion of any system, HRL’s dedicated energy technologies team has collaboratedto meet the increasing challenges of both energy generation and storage. HRL’sextensive knowledge of electrochemical systems and diagnostic tools is beingused to develop energy management algorithms and reliable prediction methodsfor the future products of our LLC Member companies. We also continue to pur-sue novel thermodynamic approaches coupled with nanoscale materials tech-nologies to address the density, energy, and speed challenges of on-vehiclehydrogen storage. Our research leverages advances in nanotechnology andmicroscaling to develop new thermal management materials that improve thespreading and transport of heat in systems. Our recent research in rechargeableand unique biologically-based fuel cell technologies will provide novel routes topowering distributed, remote, and unattended systems.

DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGIES

• Variable stiffness materials & morphing skins

• Engineering of novel shape memory materials

• Lightweight multifunctional materials

• Thermal management materials

• Hydrogen storage materials

• Efficient heating of diesel particulate traps

• Electrochemical analysis and test

New fields of investigation:

ADVANCED MATERIALS

HRL LABORATORIES 11

HRL focuses on the development of innovativetechnologies that enable smart networks and systemsto reason and adapt to changes in their environments,goals, or their own capabilities. We are developing pio-neering technology in video image exploitation, imageprocessing, data and information fusion, data mining,diagnostics and prognostics. Our focus is the develop-ment of revolutionary technology to enable smart net-works and systems control that can be taught, canlearn from experience to improve their performance,and can intuitively interact with their users.

Under the Defense Advanced Research ProjectsAgency (DARPA) Biologically Inspired CognitiveArchitecture (BICA) program, HRL has developed novel,neuroscience-inspired algorithms and an architecturefor learning, action, and perception that have applica-tions in computer vision, audio processing, robotmotion, and reasoning. Building on the BICA work, weare investigating human-inspired control systems thatexhibit fault tolerance and robustness to previouslyunforeseen conditions. Utilizing perception-learning-action cycles (the same core methodology that humansuse when learning how to manipulate within their envi-ronment) we have demonstrated control algorithms thatare able to precisely control a 3-D human-like stickrobot and a human-like head-neck-eye system underpreviously unforeseen conditions with minimal training(something traditional control algorithms cannot do).

We are also continuing to develop and advanceHRL’s video processing technology. We have com-bined our mature SwarmVision™ object recognitiontechnology that can, for example, classify and keeptrack of stationary or moving humans and vehicles infront of stationary or moving backgrounds, withneuro-inspired attention mechanisms, demonstratinga 250% speed increase with improved detection per-formance. We have also developed a complete neuro-

inspired vision system that can learn 2D-scale, 3D-scale, and rotation-invariant representations ofobjects and locate these objects in a scene. Its per-formance is comparable to some of the best machinevision algorithms on the market. We are currentlyworking on a system that can automatically learn andrecognize complex visual behaviors. This systemcombines SwarmVision™ with techniques for com-plex relationship representation with reasoning,including fuzzy graph models, “belief” networks thatupdate based on new evidence, Bayesian networks(“belief” networks that update probabilities based onnew evidence), and ARTSTORE™ networks (self-organizing networks that can correct errors based onconsequences of past actions).

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

To facilitate testing, demonstration, and transition ofour technologies, HRL’s Information and SystemsSciences team is also developing test beds, test plat-forms, and software tools. For development and test ofour video exploitation algorithms, for example, HRL hasset up a video surveillance lab where we can accessand manipulate imagery from 45 different cameralocations. Similarly, we are porting our vision and con-trol algorithms to embedded hardware for mobile andreal-time applications. We have also developed a suiteof software that enables someone unfamiliar withBayesian networks to use our technology to developdiagnostic and prognostic solutions for their systemsand applications. We are developing a NeurologicalSystems Modeling and ARchiTecture developmentframework ("NeuroSMART"). This unique softwareframework will enable rapid development and deploy-ment of brain-inspired algorithms for a large variety ofapplications (surveillance, robotics, autonomousdevices) and embedded hardware platforms.


• Video image exploitation

• Data and information fusion

• Data mining

• Diagnostics and prognostics

• Bio-inspired control and perception

Bio- and neuro-inspired algorithmsfor learning, reasoning, and planning

Network science to model the relationships within data

Methods to ensure software reliabilitybased on a combination of technology including formal methods,computer-aided theorem proving, and domain-specific languages


ALGORITHMS

�

�

�

HRL HAS DEVELOPED A RANGE of innovative antenna technolo-gies and capabilities to solve the system and integration problems ofour LLC Members and external customers. In addition to our Antennateam’s unique knowledge of electromagnetic theory, its close inter-action with the Computational Physics, Photonics and RF Analoggroups at HRL allows us to tackle a wide variety of problems andoffer unique solutions.

HRL is a technology leader in conformal antennas based on arti-ficial impedance surfaces. With this technology, HRL has demonstrat-ed truly conformal antennas that take advantage of the controlledscattering properties of modulated surface impedances. Ourapproach to realizing modulated surface impedances can be appliedto system applications where the radiator must be completely hiddenor integrated into surfaces that provide lift or structural strength. Weuse our proprietary FastScat™ full-wave electromagnetic simulationsoftware to design and analyze these conformal antennas. This distin-guishes HRL from others working in the area by allowing us to quick-ly and accurately solve electrically large problems with high precision.It again illustrates how the close interaction between our diversegroups of technologists results in novel solutions to difficult problems.We are also working on a new approach to electrically steerableantennas based on the modulated artificial surface impedance tech-nique, and we have had recent breakthroughs in the area of tensorartificial impedance surfaces that have the potential for completepolarization control in conformal antennas.

SOLVING UNRESOLVED ISSUES

Other technologies under development at HRL include frequency-tunable antennas, wearable antennas, and active impedancematching of electrically small antennas. Each of these addressesproblems that presently do not have acceptable solutions to meetthe wireless communication and radar system needs of our LLCMembers and external customers. The electrically tunable antennais targeted at wireless communications systems that require fre-quency agility for increased performance or environmental adapt-ability. Our wearable “leaky cable” antenna is an enabling technol-ogy for the networked worker where continuous information avail-ability to and from the individual is important in all environmentsand positions. Our approach to active impedance matching can cir-cumvent the perceived limits on antenna size versus bandwidth, andopens the potential for applications such as extremely small radiofrequency (RF) tags and highly capable miniature platforms.

In addition, HRL’s Antenna team has developed the capabilities toefficiently and effectively determine radiation patterns of antennaslocated on complex, electrically large platforms. Our work in this areahas helped our LLC Members to reduce the time, cost, and risk ofintegrating antennas into the products they sell.



• Conformal, textured impedance surface antennas

• Small and tunable antennas

• Electronically steerable antennas

• Wearable antennas

• Multiband/multibeam antennas

• Rapid antenna prototyping and unique testingknowledge

• Communications and radar system modelingand assessment

• Antenna radiation pattern prediction on electricallylarge structures

Adaptable impedance surfaces � Tensor impedance surfaces � Active impedance matching of electrically small antennasNew fields of investigation:

ANTENNAS



• Mobile Adhoc Network

(MANET) Protocols Design

• Intra- and Inter- Vehicles

Wireless Communications

• Cognitive Radio

• Applications & Algorithmic

Specific Processors

� Easy-to-use, fast prototyping technologythat will enable the rapid implementation ofhardware prototypes and enable a “chip ina day” design of application specificintegrated circuits. �

New fieldsof investigation:

CURRENT WIRELESS NETWORKING ARCHITECTURESfor both commercial and military data communicationsapplications are quickly approaching their performance lim-its. HRL is working on technologies in the areas of mobileadhoc network (MANET) protocol design, intra- and inter-vehicles wireless communication, and MANET optimizationand control to meet the demands of new wireless applica-tions that require ever increasing bandwidth, performance,and adaptability.

Recent efforts have focused on three areas: Intra-sys-tem networks, energy efficient wireless network architec-tures, and cognitive radios.

INTRA-SYSTEMS NETWORKS

Our objective is to reduce the number of data wires con-necting subsystems in any complex platform, such as carsand airplanes. After investigating a number of novel short-range waveforms, HRL concluded that ultra-wideband(UWB) waveforms, combined with an optimized networkstack based version of the IEEE 802.15.4a wireless networkstandard, offer the most cost-effective path to enabling reli-able, adaptable intra-system wireless communications. Ouranalyses indicated that the combination of UWB waveformswith the optimized standard is an excellent fit for non-safe-ty critical, command and control applications that are suit-able for most applications with data transfer requirementsbelow one megabyte per second (Mbps). Preliminary laten-cy analysis indicates an excellent fit with non-safety criticalapplications for command and control applications.

ENERGY EFFICIENT

WIRELESS NETWORK ARCHITECTURES

In energy efficient wireless network architectures, the goal isto minimize energy consumption for low, infrequent data rateapplications. Our approach is to streamline the way weredesigned the standard Internet Protocol-based (IP-based)network stack standard and match it with an integrated layernetwork stack coupled with instant acquisition enabled radio

communications signaling. The basic concept is to turn thephysical (PHY) layer and radio off when no useful traffic ispresent, but to instantly wake it up when there is data tosend or receive. For the typical low-duty cycle networks, wehave demonstrated huge energy savings–up to three ordersof magnitude–for applications requiring just a few messagesper hour.We are applying this energy efficient network archi-tecture in a prototype small sensor network to demonstratepower-efficient, distributed fusion algorithms.

COGNITIVE RADIOS

Our goal is to develop a scalable and robust overall systemthat can optimize resources and self-adapt in real-time tospecific mission and environmental requirements. Ourdesign is a revolutionary, complex network architecture thatseamlessly integrates robust, scalable and efficientresource optimization services with a novel dynamicallyreconfigurable mobile adhoc network stack. By replacingthe conventional protocol-based stack with a function-based network and novel network protocols, and by usingadaptive network control to allow nodes to cooperate andshare resources, our new architecture results in largeimprovements in network performance and flexibility formobile users and applications.

HRL also has a new effort in the development of tech-nology that enables rapid prototyping of communicationsalgorithms and networking protocols, which results in astreamlined, cost-effective flow for transitioning networkand hardware technologies into subsystems. The processwe use enables engineers to design algorithms in high-level,simulation software and then automatically embed the algo-rithms onto Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA)-basedplatforms to execute rapid concept to system demonstra-tions. We demonstrated, through the design and prototype ofa variety of signal processing and communication algo-rithms, that this process can reduce the time to implement areal time hardware prototype by an order of magnitude.

COMMUNICATIONS & NETWORKING

16 ANNUAL REPORT 2006 HRL LABORATORIES 17

HRL’S COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS TEAMmaintains world-class expertise in computa-tional electromagnetics, computational mate-rials and device physics, nonlinear science,and quantum information science. The teamdevelops unique theory and modeling capa-bilities that are used throughout the four lab-oratories at HRL, as well as new conceptsand designs for hardware developed byexperimental groups within HRL. Becauseone of the primary values of theory andmodeling is determining the limits of thephysically possible before resources arecommitted to experimental investigations, theComputational Physics team is also lever-aged in the exploration of new scientificareas that may potentially impact HRL andour LLC Members.

BEYOND FASTSCAT™

At HRL, computational electromagnetics is amature area where we possess commandingknowledge and experience in frequencydomain algorithms and their implementation.Our FastScat™ code has demonstratedunprecedented speed and accuracy for thecalculation of electromagnetic scattering. It isalso being used to design a new class ofantennas that employ a variable impedancesurface to shape surface currents in order tocreate any desired radiation pattern, inde-pendent of the actual shape of the surface.These impedance surface antennas arebecoming integral to various LLC Member

applications. Looking to the future, HRL isdeveloping a time domain electromagneticscode with algorithmic performance advan-tages similar to FastScat™. We anticipatethat this code will become a cornerstone forapplications within HRL and for our LLCMembers and customers.

THE QUANTUM APPROACH

In computational materials and devicephysics, state-of-the-art codes developed atHRL are being extensively applied to designlayered semiconductor materials and devicesfor spintronics (which use a quantumproperty of electrons) and quantum informa-tion processing applications. Devices capableof trapping single electrons and manipulatingtheir quantum mechanical properties, suchas spin, have formed the foundation of sever-al intriguing concepts for quantum informa-tion processing.

As individual devices are pushed tohigher performances and systems becomeincreasingly complicated, their limitationsbecome obvious. To circumvent these barri-ers, we use the nonlinear sciences of dynam-ical systems, complexity, and networks toeither mitigate the nonlinearities or createnovel solutions. These solutions include dis-ruptive self-organization approaches to high-power lasers and millimeter wave sources,novel NanoElectro-Mechanical System(NEMS) functionality, models for biologicalsystems, and systems-of-systems design.


• Computational electromagnetics

• Computational materials and device physics

• Nonlinear science

• Quantum information science

� HIGH-ORDER METHODS FOR TIME DOMAIN ELECTROMAGNETICS �New field of investigation:

COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS

HRL LABORATORIES 1918 ANNUAL REPORT 2006

HRL IS EXPANDING ITS DIGITAL ANDMIXED-SIGNAL INTEGRATED CIRCUITEFFORTS to increase system and subsys-tem impact. While high performance ana-log-to-digital (ADC) conversion continues tobe our core expertise, HRL is aggressivelydeveloping analog signal processing tech-niques to further enhance subsystem per-formance. We continue to deliver low vol-ume production quantities of widebandsigma-delta modulators, and are preparingto produce a modest volume of IndiumPhosphide Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor(InP HBT) based integrated circuits (ICs) forLLC Member applications. “Heterojunction”refers to a semiconductor junction thatconsists of layers of different materials.This produces excellent high frequencyoperation and low leakage. In this focusarea, HRL is also working on enhancingother capabilities, including fast direct digi-tal synthesis ICs and high-speed optoelec-tronic ICs.

ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL

CONVERTER PERFORMANCE

In 2006, HRL continued to push the frontierof analog-to-digital converter performancealong the famous Walden performancecurve that was originally developed at HRLin the 1990s. The underlying technologyemployed to move beyond established per-formance limitations is a 0.25-µm-emitterIndium Phosphide Dual HeterojunctionBipolar Transistor (InP DHBT) process. TheDefense Advanced Research ProjectsAgency (DARPA)/Air Force ResearchLaboratory (AFRL) Technology for Frequency

Agile Digitally Synthesized Transmitters(TFAST) Program has supported this tech-nology. Innovative ADC design techniqueshave been used to establish a path tounprecedented component performance.

Another variation of HRL’s advancedInP DHBT technology is based on selective-ly-implanted buried subcollectors (SIBS),and was developed for broadband amplifierapplications. This technology is unique inits implementation of ion implantation tech-niques to improve III-V semiconductordevice performance, meaning semiconduc-tors using elements from groups III and V ofthe periodic table. The SIBS technology ishighly beneficial for high-speed opticaltransmission systems at frequencies up to40 Gbps that often require voltage swingsup to 10 V. Using this technology, HRLdemonstrated a state-of-the-art travelingwave amplifier with a 3 dB bandwidth of 61GHz, and 29 dB of differential gain.

HIGH-SPEED OPTOELECTRONIC

INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

An emerging development in 2006 wasthe exploration of high-speed optoelec-tronic integrated circuit technology,based on HRL’s coreInP HBT, with a goalof 100 Gbpsoperation. Wedesigned, fabricat-ed, and tested aunitraveling carrierphotodiode (UTC),demonstrating operation toa bandwidth of 55 GHz.


• Delta-sigma modulator Analog-to-Digital Converters

• Novel analog signal processingtechniques

• Analog-to-Information Conversion

• 0.25µm-emitter InP DHBT Technology

• Antimonide HBT IC Technology

• Direct digital synthesis ICs

� 100 GBPS OEICS �New field of investigation:

“Thanks to the HRL Team for

their effort - Greatly Appreciated!

The delivery of these devices will

greatly increase [our] ability to

meet the program effort

[to accelerate deliveries]”

Jim WaylonisThe AESA Products Value Stream Leader,

Raytheon

DIGITAL ANDMIXED-SIGNAL SUBSYSTEMS


BUILDING ON OUR RICH HERITAGE IN LASERS AND OPTICS,today’s HRL researchers are using their in-depth knowledge to bringspeed, power and agility to the vision, sensing and targeting sys-tems of tomorrow. HRL has demonstrated expertise in laser sources,volume Bragg gratings, modulators, beam steering, fibers, wave-length-division multiplexing (WDM), detectors, atmospheric effects,propagation modeling, architectures for laser communicationsincluding retro-modulators, and hybrid mm-wave/optical sources.We are applying our strength in the development of unique lasers,both fiber and solid state, to produce new milestones in power, pulseformat and flexibility. Currently we are enabling new technologysolutions for our LLC Member companies and the governmentthrough our work on long range detection of chemicals, and thedevelopment of low-cost sources for imaging sensors in the tera-hertz region of the spectrum.

NOVEL FIBER LASERS

Recently, the HRL laser team has developed many types of special-ized fiber lasers and amplifiers that can generate very flexible opticalpulse formats from continuous operation, to high repetition rate (1kHz – 1 MHz), to mode-locked laser sources that were not possiblebefore. We have built fiber lasers with record coherence and poweroutput. These new optical sources can be an important enabler forfuture imaging, radar, illumination and detecting systems.

COHERENT COMBINING OF LASERS

HRL is exploiting new physics to conceive, design and demonstratethe coherent combining of individual lasers to achieve unparalleledrobustness, light intensity and power output. Individual fiber anddiode lasers are efficient (30 and 70%, respectively) and flexible, withminimal thermal problems compared to other solid state lasers. Ourapproach “coherently combines” these individual elements using“self-organizing” principles. The result, which we have demonstrat-ed with a large number of fiber lasers, is a simple and robust systemwhere active control of the individual elements is unnecessary.

HRL has also invented and demonstrated a simple method tophase up arrays of fiber amplifiers, while retaining the energy effi-ciency, opto-mechanical robustness, and form flexibility of fibers. Weapplied this fiber amplifier phasing to free space laser communica-tion to build a power scalable transmitter that can mitigate theatmospheric turbulance and thus increase the signal reaching thereceiver by approximately 10 dB, as we demonstrated in our outdoorlaser communication test range. This phasing approach can also beused with multiple coherent receive apertures to increase the signal.

In a successful technology transition story, the light amplifyingytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) laser materials andthe precise beam replicating phase conjugation technologies we havedeveloped in the past are now forming the basis of the design for thenext-generation of high-power lasers for directed energy weapons.

DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGIES:

• Fiber lasers and amplifiers

• Free space laser communication

• High power, high efficiency solid state lasers

• Nonlinear optics

• Volume holograms and diffraction gratings

� Coherent combining of lasers for power scaling � Terahertz sources for imaging � Engineered material growth and preparation using lasers �


LASERS


PHOTONICS IS THE SCIENCE OF GENERATING AND MANIPULATINGPHOTONS, elementary particles of light. It began with the 1960 constructionof the laser by HRL scientists. Our current photonics thrust is applying state-of-the-art optoelectronics technologies to the development of new capabili-ties in microwave signal distribution, waveform generation, and signal pro-cessing. Using a multidisciplinary approach, HRL is leveraging knowledge inphotonics, RF technology, and signal processing to create discriminators forfuture defense systems and commercial applications. To achieve our techni-cal goals, we are combining our expertise in fiber optic link design and sub-system integration with selected capabilities for optoelectronic devicedesign and fabrication.

In 2006, HRL focused on the development of several RF-photonic linksand subsystems that form new enabling technologies for antenna remoting(locating antennas far away from demodulators and expensive, sensitiveequipment; optical beamforming) management of large numbers of opticalbeams; and the generation of radar waveforms. To accomplish the highfidelity transmission of microwave signals via optical fibers, HRL designedcoherent RF-photonic links that demonstrated more than 10 dB of linearity(spur free dynamic range) enhancement over conventional intensity-modu-lation approaches.

TREMENDOUS POTENTIALS

Photonic oscillators are a new generation of signal sources constructed byfeeding the output of an RF-photonic link back to its electro-optic modulator.Its intrinsic design lends itself to the installation of both optical and RF out-

puts. Exploiting the long storage times of RF-photonic signals in low lossfibers (< 0.1 dB/km), we demonstrated tremendous potential for loweringthe phase noise of continuous wave (CW) microwave signals. In 2006, HRLpushed the envelope of this technology further by demonstrating, for the firsttime, the generation of comb-waveforms that are frequency-locked to a low-noise RF-reference. We expect these RF-photonic links and subsystems toimpact future radar development and signal distribution in large arrays.

In signal processing, HRL applied state-of-the-art wavelength divisionmultiplexed (WDM) technologies (carrying multiple signals together as sepa-rate wavelengths) to form finite impulse response (FIR) RF-filters that possessinstantaneous bandwidths and sampling rates greater than 10 GHz. We alsodeveloped in-house capabilities to fabricate silica/Si microdisks that demon-strated intrinsic quality-factors (Qo) higher than 10 million. When coupled tooptical waveguides, these microresonators form infinite impulse response(IIR) optical filters with physical diameters that are less than 100 µm, makingthem attractive candidates in the formation of chip-scale filter arrays.

In 2006, HRL also demonstrated new time-interleaving capabilities forphotonic analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) that utilized mode-locked laserpulses–only several picoseconds in duration–for front-end sampling. Bycombining fast, synchronized photonic switching with low-jitter optical sam-pling, we can direct optical signals into parallel electronic quantizers toaccomplish time-interleaved ADC. Finally, HRL developed high-speed LiNbO3electro-optic modulators with tandem sections designed for data-modula-tion and pulse-carving. This reduces intersymbol interference during thetransition of bits in multi-GHz optical links.


• Photonics for microwave signal processing, distribution and generation

• Photonics components and subsystems for digital/analog networks

• Optical sampling and switching for analog-to-digital conversion

�� Ultra-low noise photonic oscillatorsUltra-low noise photonic oscillators �� Coherent microwave fiber optic linksCoherent microwave fiber optic links �� RF-photonic FIR and IIR filtersRF-photonic FIR and IIR filters ��New fields of investigation:

PHOTONICS


HRL MADE IMPORTANT ADVANCEMENTS IN 2006 in high frequencymonolithic (single crystal) millimeter-wave integrated circuits (MMICs)based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Indium Phosphide (InP) materialstechnologies. Their size and manufacturability makes them desirable fora wide range of radio frequency (RF) applications, including wirelesscommunications, millimeter-wave imaging, radar, and electronic war-fare.

In 2006, HRL demonstrated the world’s first GaN MMICs with oper-ating frequencies in the 70-90 GHz range. Prior to this, the frequencyrecord for GaN MMICs was below 50 GHz. HRL was able to accomplishthis feat by building on HRL’s patented epitaxial layer structure (wheresemiconductor layers have the same crystalline orientation and structureas the substrates on which they are grown) and a process for fabricat-ing devices with extremely short gate lengths (100 nm). The power out-put from the GaN MMICs was greater than 300 mW, which represents thestate-of-the-art in this technology. Furthermore, this high power levelwas achieved with devices one-tenth the size of commercial devices,yielding a tenfold improvement in power density. This provides a path tosignificant cost reduction in systems requiring high millimeter-wavepower. These MMICs are strategic enablers for high bandwidth commu-nications systems and active millimeter-wave imaging systems.

MILLIMETER-WAVE IMAGING BREAKTHROUGH

Another important HRL achievement was the development of a chipsettailored to the needs of the millimeter-wave imaging market. Thechipset leverages HRL’s patented Sb-diode (Antimonide-diode) tech-nology, used in conjunction with a single 75-105 GHz low noiseamplifier fabricated in Indium Phosphide high electron mobilitytransistor technology. The chipset replaces four MMICs in mostapplications, enabling a reduction in system cost. Imagingperformance of the chipset is superior to alternative MMIC com-binations offered by competitors. The noise equivalent temper-ature difference, a measure of image quality, offered by theHRL chipset is a state-of-the-art 0.5 degrees Kelvin.

Finally, as the only major established source, HRLmaintained its supremacy in broadband, robust, low noiseamplifiers based on GaN heterostructure field effect transistor(HFET) technology.


• GaN HFET MMIC Power Amplifiers and Broadband

Low Noise Amplifiers

• InP HEMT MMIC Low Noise Amplifiers

• InP DHBT MMIC Power Amplifiers

• Sb Diode Detectors and Arrays

• InAs-channel HEMT MMIC Low Noise Amplifiers

• Miniature Filters

“The HRL W-band GaN MMIC

results [at the DARPA Wide Bandgap

Open Review] were impressive.”

Lois Kehias, Program Manager,Air Force Research Laboratory

� GaN-on-silicon power electronics �


RF ANALOG



• II-VI HgCdTe-MBE technology

• HgCdTe detectors: dual-band IR,

APDs for LADAR

• Quartz MEMS processing and device design

THREAT DETECTION AND DISCRIMINATIONare the keys to intelligent sensor systems of thefuture. HRL scientists are developing andmaturing technologies that increase the per-formance, specificity, and affordability of sens-ing elements while decreasing their size,weight, and cost. Using our strengths in engi-neered electronic materials, processing anddesign of micro-electro-mechanical structures,and unique nano-engineered materials, wecontinue to develop a portfolio of key enablersfor sensors that span the electromagneticspectrum to enhance inertial, chemical, biolog-ical, and object detection.

INFRARED DETECTOR MATERIALS

HRL is recognized as a world leader in thegrowth and design of mercury cadmium tel-luride (HgCdTe) semiconductor materials fordual-band infrared detection and avalanchephotodiodes (diodes that can multiply tiny cur-rents) for laser radar (LADAR). Backed by state-of-the-art molecular beam epitaxy equipmentthat provides atomic level deposition and con-trol of thin film materials, we can design andproduce extremely low-defect device struc-tures on a variety of substrates and size for-mats for high performance detector arrays.These processes are now ISO9001 compliant, akey criterion for HRL to be a wafer supplier tospecialized military programs.

UNIQUE MEMS DEVICES

HRL continues to expand its portfolio of uniquefabrication processes and device designs ofquartz microelectromechanical structures(MEMS) and their integration with traditionalsemiconductor technologies. These capabilities

have enabled us to develop new, ultra-com-pact, high Q filters (with “Q” standing for thesharpness of the response of a filter) as well asoscillators and resonators. Coupled with thiseffort, HRL has also developed an extensivesuite of integration processes that allow MEMSand other specialized semiconductor devices tobe mounted on a variety of substrates and for-mats for improved thermal management, high-er density wafer scale packaging, cost reduc-tion, and functionalization (introduction ofchemical functional groups) of complex surfacegeometries. The ability to integrate quartzMEMS and other high performance electroniccomponents with conventional microelectron-ics will reduce the size, weight, and cost offuture telecommunication, navigation, andsensing devices.

NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR SENSING

HRL is also pursuing research in emergingareas in sensing technologies, such asnanoscale textured metamaterial surfaces.Metamaterials are unique, as they gain theirelectromagnetic properties from their structurerather than from the materials from which theyare composed. These surfaces have nanoscalefeatures that exploit quantum effects for local-ized enhanced detection. Quantum dot andnanowire materials (using crystals and wiressmall enough to allow superb tunability) showpromise for tailorable spectral absorption,ultralow electrical resistivity, and miniaturized,wafer scale devices that enable integration ofmultiple spectral detection elements on a sin-gle chip. These new technologies provide anintriguing glimpse into the detection systems ofthe future.

SENSORS

� Quantum dot devices � Hyperspectral sensing and phenomenology � Spin and quantum electronic devices �



�� Running, jogging, and walking on the HRL campus�� Beach volleyball�� Surfing�� SCUBA diving�� Weekly on-site Yoga classes�� Sailing�� Ocean swimming�� Golf �� Skateboarding�� Basketball, swimming, volleyball and tennis through special

arrangements with a neighboring university

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Although HRL is nestled in the sanctuary of Malibu, it is only 45 minutes from LosAngeles International Airport (LAX) and one hour from downtown Los Angeles.The J. Paul Getty Museum and other fine art galleries are readily accessible, as arethe most popular Malibu beaches: Surfrider, Zuma, Malibu, and Leo Carillo.

IN THE HEART OF MALIBULocated on Malibu Canyon Road, HRL is only a stone’s throw from California’s scenic Highway 1, known as thePacific Coast Highway. This famous highway winds along and through the Malibu Community, which encom-passes 21 miles of breathtaking coastline and 45,000 acres of mesas, mountains, canyons, and beaches.

HRL is tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains and enjoys an endless vista of the Pacific Ocean andnearby Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands. HRL employees enjoy Malibu’s world-renowned beaches, varieddining and shopping establishments, as well as occasional encounters with movie and TV celebrities. For thosewho prefer quiet time, the rustic canyon and hillsides that are only minutes away provide solitude and an abun-dance of wildlife.

In addition, HRL has the unique advantage of being located within proximity of numerous major SouthernCalifornia universities and colleges.

HRL’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE MALIBU COMMUNITY

� HRL is an active participant in the Malibu

Community, with employees on the Board

of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce

and with long-standing membership

in the Malibu Optimists’ Club.

� Among the local events supported by HRL

through the Chamber of Commerce and the

Optimists’ Club are the annual Malibu Arts

Festival, the Malibu Golf Tournament, Wine

Tasting, Malibu’s Veteran’s Day Celebration

and Malibu Garden Tour.

HRL EMPLOYEES ALSO ENJOY


� 7,057,716 - White cell antenna beamformers ............................................................................................................................ D. Yap� 7,057,541 - Delta-sigma modulator using LC resonators.......................................................................................................... T. Kaplan� 7,054,936 - Priority-based dynamic resource allocation method and apparatus for supply-demand systems ................... T. ElBatt, B. Ryu� 7,053,814 - RF lightwave coding system for radar pulse compression .................................................................................. D. Yap� 7,053,737 - Stress bimorph MEMS switches and methods of making same ........................................................................... T. Y. Hsu, M. Wu, A. Schmitz, R. N. Schwartz, J. Schaffner, R. Y. Loo, G. Tangonan� 7,049,667 - Conductive channel pseudo block process and circuit to inhibit reverse engineering ....................................... L. W. Chow, W. M. Clark, G. Harbison, J. P. Baukus� 7,046,854 - Signal processing subband coder architecture .................................................................................................... C. Daniell� 7,039,551 - Method and apparatus for calculating an operator distraction level .................................................................. D. B. Shu, D. A. Schwartz� 7,028,060 - Method and apparatus for jointly optimizing linear signal processing filters with subband filters .................. C. Daniell� 7,027,675 - Frequency tuning of photonic oscillator using amplifier bias voltage.................................................................. K. Sayyah� 7,027,615 - Vision-based highway overhead structure detection system .............................................................................. Y. Chen� 7,027,161 - Adaptive optical system with self-referencing contrast control........................................................................... D. M. Pepper� 7,026,988 - Method and apparatus for passive optical extraction of signals ......................................................................... R. Stephens� 7,026,979 - Method and apparatus for joint kinematic and feature tracking using probabilistic argumentation................. D. Khosla� 7,020,396 - Opto-electronic ultra-wideband signal waveform generator and radiator .......................................................... H. Izadpanah, K. Sayyah, M. Mokhtari, J. Lynch� 7,018,575 - Method for assembly of complementary-shaped receptacle site and device microstructures .......................... P. D. Brewer, A. T. Hunter, L. M. Deckard� 7,016,421 - Time-interleaved delta sigma analog to digital modulator ................................................................................... D. Yap, H. Jensen� 7,015,060 - Cloverleaf microgyroscope with through-wafer interconnects and method of manufacturing ......................... R. Kubena, F. Stratton, D. Chang

a cloverleaf microgyroscope with through-wafer interconnects � 7,012,572 - Integrated ultra wideband element card for array antennas ................................................................................ J. Schaffner, W. B. Bridges� 7,009,488 - Selective equipment lockout ................................................................................................................................... D. Schwartz, M. Daily� 7,008,873 - Integrated circuit with reverse engineering protection ......................................................................................... L. W. Chow, W. M. Clark, J. P. Baukus� 7,008,524 - Sensors with variable response behavior............................................................................................................... T. B. Stanford, C. I. Van Ast, F. G. Yamagishi� 7,006,726 - Method and apparatus for optical division of a broadband signal into a plurality of sub-band channels ....... R. R. Hayes� 7,006,537 - Single polarization fiber laser ................................................................................................................................ M. Minden, D. Starodubov� 7,002,551 - Optical see-through augmented reality modified-scale display .......................................................................... R. Azuma, R. Sarfaty� 7,002,499 - Clocked D/A converter ............................................................................................................................................ T. Kaplan, A. Cosand� 6,996,137 - Solid-State Devices with Radial Dopant Valence Profile ....................................................................................... R. W. Byren, D.S. Sumida� 6,990,075 - Scalable unidirectional routing with zone routing protocol extensions for mobile AD-HOC networks .............. K. P. Sinha, S. K. Dao� 6,987,789 - Multiple-disk laser system ..................................................................................................................................... H. Bruesselbach, D. S. Sumida� 6,982,676 - Plano-convex rotman lenses, an ultra wideband array employing a hybrid long slot aperture ......................... D. Sievenpiper, J. Schaffner

and a quasi-optic beam former

� 7,154,451 - Large aperture rectenna based on planar lens structures .................................................................................... D. Sievenpiper� 7,151,508 - Antenna system and RF signal interference abatement method ......................................................................... J. Schaffner, J. Lynch, D. Sievenpiper� 7,149,029 - Interferometric PPM demodulators based on semiconductor optical amplifiers................................................. S. Ionov� 7,148,913 - Vision-based pointer tracking and object classification method and apparatus................................................. T. Keaton, S. Dominguez, A. Sayed� 7,142,348 - Conformal retro-modulator optical devices ........................................................................................................... K. Sayyah, D. Pepper, P. Brewer, A. Au� 7,141,446 - Optically–and electrically-addressable concentrators of biological and chemical materials............................. P. Brewer, D. Chow� 7,128,843 - Process for fabricating monolithic membrane substrate structures with well-controlled air gaps ................... S. Mehta� 7,127,082 - Active fiducials for augmented reality ................................................................................................................... H. Neely� 7,119,906 - Optical remote sensor with differential Doppler motion compensation ............................................................... D. Pepper, M. Minden, G. Dunning� 7,119,755 - Wave antenna lens system ..................................................................................................................................... R. Harvey� 7,113,746 - Method and apparatus for signaling among a plurality of agents........................................................................ D. Payton, C. Lee, M. Howard, B. Hoff� 7,113,707 - Dynamic optical interconnect ................................................................................................................................. D. Pepper� 7,109,939 - Wideband antenna array ......................................................................................................................................... J. Lynch, J. Colburn� 7,109,823 - Image guide coupler switch .................................................................................................................................... J. Schaffner � 7,105,924 - Integrated circuit housing ...................................................................................................................................... D. Choudhury, R. Bowen, J. Foschaar� 7,105,376 - Self-location method and apparatus ...................................................................................................................... P. Brewer, C. LeBeau, A. Hunter� 7,098,577 - Piezoelectric switch for tunable electronic components ..................................................................................... S. Mehta� 7,098,575 - BAW device and method for switching a BAW device ........................................................................................... S. Mehta� 7,098,490 - GaN DHFET ............................................................................................................................................................... M. Micovic, T. Hussain, P. Hashimoto, P. Deelman� 7,091,457 - Meta-Surface Waveguide for Uniform Microwave Heating.................................................................................... D. Gregoire, D. Sievenpiper, W. Williamson� 7,089,796 - Time-reversed photoacoustic system and uses thereof ....................................................................................... D. Pepper, G. Dunning, D. Sumida� 7,088,886 - Self-adapting limiter ................................................................................................................................................ M. Mangir, D. Yap� 7,088,503 - Method for Making an Achromatic Lens for Millimeter-Wave and Infrared Bands ............................................ R. J. Harvey, F. A. Dolezal, J. Grinberg� 7,088,483 - Holographic spatial laser beam shaper and method ............................................................................................ O. Efimov� 7,085,711 - Method and apparatus for blind separation of an overcomplete set of mixed signals ....................................... S. Kadambe� 7,085,499 - Agile RF-lightwave waveform synthesis and an optical multi-tone amplitude modulator ................................. D. Yap, K. Sayyah� 7,085,121 - Variable Capacitance Membrane Actuator for Wide Band Tuning of Microstrip Resonators and Filers ............ P. Petre, J. Lynch, J. Pasiecznik� 7,084,811 - Agile optical wavelength selection for antenna beamforming ............................................................................. D. Yap � 7,084,021 - Method of forming a structure wherein an electrode comprising a refractory metal is deposited .................... P. Janke� 7,075,902 - Apparatus, method, and computer program product for wireless networking using directional signaling ...... T. ElBatt� 7,071,888 - Steerable leaky wave antenna capable of both forward and backward radiation .............................................. D. Sievenpiper� 7,068,234 - Meta-element antenna and array............................................................................................................................ D. Sievenpiper� 7,068,128 - Compact combline resonator and filter ................................................................................................................. P. Macdonald, P. Petre� 7,067,898 - Semiconductor device having a self-aligned base contact and narrow emitter ................................................ S. Thomas, Y. Royter� 7,065,384 - Networked and field addressable distributed antenna system ............................................................................ H. Izadpanah� 7,060,131 - Epitaxy with compliant layers of group-V species ............................................................................................... B. Shi

HRL LABORATORIES 33

HRL SCIENTIST ELECTED FELLOW

OF THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY

LOS ANGELES, March 22, 2006—Joel N. Schulman, aPrincipal Research Scientist at HRL Laboratories, LLC,Malibu, CA has been elected as a Fellow of the AmericanPhysical Society. Fellowship is bestowed on those individu-als who “have made advances in knowledge through origi-nal research and publication or significant and innovativecontributions in the application of physics to science andtechnology.” The honor is extended annually to no morethan one half of one percent of the Society’s membership.

Specifically cited were “seminalcontributions to the understand-ing of the electronic and opticalproperties of semiconductorheterostructures, ranging fromthe physics of band mixing insuperlattices to devices for mil-limeter wave imaging.”

Recently, Dr. Schulman hasbeen credited with leading theeffort to develop a new millime-ter-wave detector diode madefrom antimonide compound-semiconductor-based quantumtunneling structures. This devicehas enabled approximately a

ten-times sensitivity improvement in RF power radiometryand is becoming the standard detector in millimeter-waveimaging cameras.

Dr. Schulman received his BA degree from theUniversity of Pennsylvania in 1973 and his PhD in Physicsfrom the California Institute of Technology in 1979. He sub-sequently became an associate professor at the Universityof Hawaii. Dr. Schulman joined what is now HRLLaboratories (formerly Hughes Research Labs) in 1985. Hisfield of research is the application of semiconductor quan-tum nanostructure physics to new electronic materials anddevices. Dr. Schulman is also an adjunct professor inElectrical Engineering at the University of California, LosAngeles (UCLA).

HRL LABORATORIES AWARDED $1.1M CONTRACT IN BIOLOGICALLY-INSPIRED ARCHITECTURES

LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2006 —HRL Laboratories, LLC has been awarded a $1.1M 13-month Phase I contract to develop acomprehensive brain-like architecture in a step towards realizing intelligent machines and systems. This architecture isaimed towards addressing human-like cognitive abilities of integrated perception, action and learning. Further, the archi-tecture must be amenable to computational models, simulations and validation.

The contract award is from the Defense Advanced Research Planning Agency (DARPA), Information ProcessingTechnology Office, and is part of a major program to create computer models that simulate human behavior and approachhuman thought and response in a wide range of situations.

The HRL project is called Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architecture for Integrated Learning, Action, and Perception,or BICA-LEAP. In the project, the company is developing a single comprehensive architecture to seamlessly integrate per-ception, memory, planning, decision-making, action, self-learning and affect to address the full range of human cognition.The Malibu-based research facility will focus on goal-driven scene understanding, language communication, and learningsequentially planned behaviors, as well as on the comprehensive brain-like cognitive architecture.

The long-term goals of the DARPA/Information Processing Technology Office program is design (in Phase 1) and imple-mentation (in Phase 2) of architectures of human cognition. Ideas and technology to enhance learning performance are espe-cially of interest to the Program, as is a resultant ability to deal effectively with new and novel situations. In the HRL vision ofthis technology, the architecture will be integrated into a variety of applications and existing systems, providing support orreplacement for human reasoning and decision-making, leading to revolutionary use in military and commercial applications.

INVENTIVE YOUNG ENGINEERS

SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN

NAE'S 2006 U.S. FRONTIERS OF

ENGINEERING SYMPOSIUM

WASHINGTON—Eighty-one of the nation'sbrightest young engineers have been selectedto take part in the National Academy ofEngineering's (NAE) 12th annual Frontiers ofEngineering symposium. The 2½-day eventwill bring together engineers ages 30 to 45 whoare performing cutting-edge engineeringresearch and technical work in a variety of dis-ciplines. The participants—from industry, aca-demia, and government—were nominated byfellow engineers or organizations and chosenfrom nearly 200 applicants. (including Dr. D.Khosla from HRL).... To read more aboutFrontiers of Engineering, visit the NAE Web siteat http://www.nae.edu/frontiers.


HRL LABORATORIES, LLC was featured in anarticle of Malibu Magazine (Dec 06)

HIGHLIGHTSMACHINE SHOP

HRL’s Machine Shop was the first inhabitant at the Malibufacility. The importance for the technologists then and now atHRL is clear: the majority of the research and developmentprograms involve creation of a prototype part. Form followsfunction, and the HRL Machine Shop is unique for HRL and forits dedicated high-tech customers such as Boeing, Raytheon,and Delphi in that it can produce the form in extraordinarilyquick turnaround time; on average about half the time it wouldtake its competitors.

It helps, of course, to have a team of professionalmachinists with over a hundred years combined experience inthe field. They can start with an engineering drawing, oftenCAD software input from the customer, and immediately visu-alize the process they will follow from that drawing to fabricat-ed part. On hand at the Machine Shop are still the lathes andgrinders so familiar from our stereotypical image, but nowaugmented by five massive Vertical Machining Centers thatfashion out the parts from those drawings. From these multi-ton centers come the amazingly intricate metal shapes soindispensable to research programs.

The Machine Shop team assists clients by suggestingmodifications that make parts more efficient, economical andmore rapid to machine. But most importantly, because it sup-ports such high-tech R&D, our clients can be assured that ourMachine Shop is on the cutting-edge of modern engineering.

NANOTECH CAPABILITIES

HRL’s nanotechnology capabilities, including state-of-the-art systemsfor material growth, deposition, structure formation, and characteriza-tion, continue to enable world record component performance regimesand novel nano-scale device structures. Housed in over 10,000 sq. ft ofclass 10 clean room facilities and associated laboratories, are multiplemolecular beam epitaxy systems, metal organic chemical vapor depo-sition systems, both electron beam and optical stepper lithography sys-tems, systems for film deposition and etching, and multiple scanningelectron microscope systems for examining and characterizing nano-scaled structures. The current electron beam lithography system sup-ports formation of 50 nm lines and the optical stepper system offersbetter than 0.35 micron feature sizes. These tools support the through-puts required for production quantities of extreme performance compo-nents as well as prototyping and research into new types of compo-nents. HRL’s nano expertise has produced world record demonstrationsin microelectronic, photonic and sensor technologies based on galliumarsenide, indium phosphide, gallium nitride, indium antimonide, silicongermanium, and new evolving materials. With the emergence of bio-inspired materials and components, HRL is now expanding in the ener-gy and structural aspects of materials and components.

HRL LABORATORIES AWARDED $1.7M

PHASE II MICROANTENNA ARRAYS

CONTRACT

LOS ANGELES, June 29, 2006— HRL Laboratories, LLC hasbeen awarded a $1.73M 18-month Phase II contract optionfrom the Microsystems Technology Office of the DefenseAdvanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to continue todevelop inexpensive passive millimeter-wave imaging arraytechnology. The Phase I goal was to distinguish a 20-degreeKelvin resolution within a scene, but HRL achieved a remark-able 5-degree resolution. The results were verified by theNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),Boulder, Colorado, the DARPA-designated measuring facility.The goal for Phase II is 2-degree resolution.

The award is under the “Microantenna Arrays:Technology and Applications” program. Under the contract,entitled “W-Band Backward Diode Microantenna Arrays,”HRL plans to develop and demonstrate a low-cost, high-sen-sitivity imaging array of microantennas and detectors in afocal plane array structure without radio frequency (RF)amplification. Intended applications of such technologyinclude concealed weapons and explosives detection, air-craft obstacle avoidance and landing in fog/clouds, smoke,dust and sand, fire hot-spot location through smoke, missileguidance, and military personnel extraction.

The HRL approach is based on a novel antimonide-based semiconductor millimeter-wave detecting diode, andon an inexpensive high-yield fabrication process. The result-ing device is an innovative detector diode that replaces thecommonly used Schottky diode. The main advantage is thatunlike Schottky diodes that require a constant bias voltageto boost sensitivity, the HRL diode requires none. Since noise(1/f and shot) increases dramatically with bias, the HRLdiode is orders of magnitude less noisy, eliminating the needfor an RF amplifier to boost the incoming signal above thedetector noise level. The exceptionally low noise behavior isthe key to achieving high quality imaging without expensiveand power consuming RF low noise amplifiers, greatlyreducing the cost of the array as a whole and moving usefulhigh-resolution passive millimeter-wave cameras closer toreality in the near future.

�DESIGNED BY HRL MEDIA SERVICES © All Rights Reserved, 2007 by HRL Laboratories, LLC

www.hrl.com

2006 was a year of investment into the future ofHRL. We are now fully poised to take advantage ofthe many developments that will arise in 2007.

34

“HRL has a rich history of development and delivery of critical components for some of our most importantproducts. HRL also provides a broad set of talented eyes looking over the horizon at the global tech-

nologies and issues that will drive our business in the future.” Dave Whelan. Ph.D., NAE

Vice President, Strategic Growth, Business Development and Strategy, The Boeing Company

“HRL is an integral part of our global collaboration network and a full member of the GM research family.HRL also plays a key role in identifying synergies with and functioning as our eyes and ears within

the aerospace technical community. Our affiliation enables us to have well-integrated activities, and these have yielded signif-icant results in a number of important technology areas including hydrogen storage, antennas, smart materials, diagnostics, andelectronic controls and software.”

Alan I. Taub. Ph.D., NAE

Executive Director, Research & Development, General Motors Corporation

2006 hrl annual report

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