Riverside Research and OSU Team Up to Create Advanced Radar Sensor

Riverside Research and OSU Collaborate for a Breakthrough Radar Sensor

In a groundbreaking initiative, Riverside Research, a nonprofit organization focused on national security, has joined forces with Oklahoma State University (OSU) to advance radar technology through a project funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This collaboration aims to create a next-generation radar sensor capable of detecting exceptionally small objects, revolutionizing capabilities in national defense and security.

The project is spearheaded by Dr. Rajind Mendis, a senior research scientist at Riverside Research, alongside Dr. John O'Hara, an associate professor at OSU. Together, they lead a team that will develop a radar sensor operating at terahertz (THz) frequencies. This new approach utilizes frequencies that are 10 to 100 times higher compared to traditional radar systems, allowing for remarkably fine resolution and the capability to detect objects smaller than one inch—something that current technologies struggle to achieve.

THz radar proves to be well-suited for this task, as it operates with wavelengths of approximately 3 millimeters or smaller, facilitating the detection of tiny objects at significant distances. Dr. O'Hara notes, "Typical radar applications rely on microwave frequencies that are not high enough to resolve small objects at extended ranges. This is ultimately a fundamental physics challenge. By employing higher frequencies, we can overcome this resolution barrier."

The initiative builds on years of productive collaboration between Riverside Research and OSU, focusing on designing THz prototypes with practical applications. The project’s proposal was selected via DARPA’s Expedited Research Implementation Series (ERIS) Marketplace, which seeks innovative solutions with a strong potential for enhancing national security.

Expressing enthusiasm about the project, Dr. Josh Wetherington, director of spectrum warfare innovation at Riverside Research, remarked, "We are thrilled to work alongside DARPA in enhancing the performance of our next-generation THz radar. These innovations could eventually serve as critical components in control systems designed to improve situational awareness, similar to the lane assist technologies found in modern vehicles."

For OSU, this project highlights the university’s leadership in advanced communications and sensing technologies, while also providing invaluable experience for students and early-career researchers. Dr. O'Hara emphasized the importance of DARPA-funded projects, stating, "Such initiatives allow researchers to confront some of the most challenging issues facing our nation today. OSU is fortunate to seize these opportunities, giving our students and researchers a rare chance to contribute to significant technological advancements vital for our country's future success."

The collaboration between O'Hara and Mendis also continues to build on OSU's legacy of pioneering research in THz technologies. Dr. Mendis highlighted the ultimate objective of the project: "We aim to develop a THz radar system that is compact, lightweight, and efficient, enabling straightforward field deployment—the first of its kind in this field."

As this partnership moves forward, it's poised to make substantial contributions to national security capabilities while inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.

About Riverside Research

Riverside Research is dedicated to enhancing national security and serves the Defense and Intelligence sectors. Through its Open Innovation Center (OIC), the organization encourages cross-disciplinary research and development collaboration. Their expertise includes advanced object detection, AI/ML application acceleration, computational electromagnetics, THz imaging, and much more.

About Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University, recognized as an R1 institution, showcases its commitment to addressing national challenges through innovative engineering and technology research. The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology is at the forefront of advancements in fields such as aerospace, defense, and emerging technologies.