Science Applications International Corporation announced it has been awarded a prime contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) to provide research and development services leading to the delivery of prototype terahertz-frequency, high-power amplifiers.

The multiple-award contract has a two year base period of performance, two one-year options and a total value for SAIC of more than $11 million if all options are exercised. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. and other team member locations.

DARPA's MTO leads research in integrated microsystems to enable revolutionary performance and functionality for future Department of Defense systems. Future military and aerospace applications that operate at terahertz frequencies will need greatly improved terahertz transmitter and receiver technologies to be effective. Achieving the level of circuit technology integration necessary to enable practical terahertz systems will require new methods for integrating devices into compact circuits. Under the contract, SAIC will develop prototype terahertz amplifiers that will help enable follow-on development of new military and dual use systems for imaging, communications, and other applications. In addition, SAIC will provide specialized design and analysis-support services using state-of-the-art simulation and design codes for system components including the electron gun, circuit, and collector.

"SAIC is drawing on its well established capabilities in high-power, high-frequency electronics," said John Fratamico, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager. "To develop the technological innovations required to meet the high performance requirements DARPA has established for this project, we have formed a team of leading industrial, government, and university researchers that will design, fabricate, test, and deliver the terahertz-band amplifiers."

SAIC
04.05.2009