Wideband Photonic STAR Module

In this Phase I project we propose to investigate several novel antenna and electro-optic modulator concepts that are fundamental in the development of a wideband photonic simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) module. Our objective is to create new technologies that will enable a photonic STAR module to have an operational bandwidth of over a decade with a Noise Figure of less than 6 dB and a transmit/receive isolation of greater than 40 dB. We will investigate printed antennas that have very low return loss properties over a wide band of frequencies and that can be directly integrated with new low Vpi modulators. During this Phase I project we will undertake thorough theoretical investigations of the proposed antenna and modulator configurations, using our comprehensive suite of design tools. We will establish generic design trends for the new structures and also determine the fundamental limits of these technologies. We will also fabricate proof-of-concept versions of the appropriate antennas and electrode structures and undertake measurements of the proposed prototypes to verify their performance.