A Fast Scanning Photonic Multi-Beam Receive Array for BMD Applications

Crystal Research, Inc. (CRI) and Lockheed Martin Corp. (LM) propose to develop an x-band photonic multi-beam receive array based on a high-speed one-variable fiber-optic true-time-delay beamformer, capable of simultaneously receiving more than 10 independent RF beams with wide scanning angle of }60 degrees and fast scanning speed of 300 ns. Such a high steering speed is 3 orders of magnitude faster than any other existing optical beamformers. For the very first time, a photonic beamformer is capable of steering a phased array antenna with the time constant compatible with that of the operating electronics circuits in the order of a microsecond. The proposed technology has all the advantages over conventional approaches while further increasing scanning speed and accuracy, reducing the system complexity, weight, and power budget by eliminating the complicated optoelectronic controlling and massive optical components such as optical switches and fiber Bragg gratings. Other advantages of using the proposed technology include microwave beamformer compatible and immune to electromagnetic interfere. We plan to develop a laboratory breadboard prototype for the proof-of-concept demonstration at the end of Phase I. In Phase II, we will design and fabricate a prototype that can be demonstrated in a representative environment.