Miniaturized Optoelectronically-controlled Submarine-based Ultra Wideband Phased-Array Antenna

Multi/broadband, reconfigurable, and multifunctional phased-array antennas (PAAs) are crucial for Navy applications. In this Phase II program, Omega Optics will continue with the innovative programmable true-time delay (TTD) broadband PAA system based onthe feasibility study accomplished in the phase I program. A miniaturized reconfigurable TTD module will be demonstrated with the highest number of delay lines per unit chip area. The advanced polymeric optical switch technique demonstrated in Phase I isexpected to meet or exceed the specification required for the proposed system performance. An optical heterodyne technique for ultra wideband RF signal generation will be employed. At the end of the phase II program, a bench top 16-element 2-D PAA systemwill be constructed employing the optical programmable TTD lines, wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs) and RF signal generator. Non-squint steering, wide microwave bandwidth, wide-angle tuning through programming the optical switch matrix will bedemonstrated covering from X to Q bands, i.e., 8 GHz to 46 GHz. Exclusive advantages in reliability, weight and packaging size will be demonstrated to ensure the suitability for submarine applications. We will build a solid technical foundation for the newantenna technology prototype under realistic submarine operation in Phase III, which will result in a deployable phased-array antenna containing thousands of elements with the outstanding features in multi/broad band, reconfigurability, multifunction andhigh packing density. The proposed idea will result in a phased-array antenna with characteristics of multi/broadband coverage, significantly reduced hardware, and multiple beams capability. Given currently fast-paced advancement in fiber-optic andoptoelectronic components, the proposed program will significantly shorten the time of technology transfer for military and commercial applications. The achievement of this research can be applied to existing antennas, improving the performance ofcommunication systems, such as satellite-to-satellite communications, remote sensing and ground-based wireless communications. At the component level, the optical switches and WDMs are very attractive fundamental building blocks for metropolitan areanetworks, which have potential for government and private sector applications. The commercialization of these techniques will provide mature techniques and dramatically lower the cost of radar system for Navy applications.