Autotracking Satellite Antenna on-the-Move

We propose an innovative new solution to satellite communications on the move which uses photonic technology. There are several approaches to this problem of pointing and tracking which depend on various implementations of actively controlled phased array antennas. Our system is radically different in that we use what amounts to an automatic optically controlled phase array system. It relies upon the phase conjugation of the RF/microwave signal beams. In this systems approach/which has been recently demonstrated, optical interconnections provide the key enabling technology by reducing weight and complexity. The process of wavefront conjugation permits us to have pointing, autotracking, and conformal mounting of the antenna arrays in low profile configurations. Operationally, a weak probe beam from a receiver such as a satellite is conjugated, modulated with the communications information and amplified. The conjugated transmitted beam then returns, automatically and directly to the moving system, which in this case is the satellite. Interesting additional features in this system are that it also corrects for any distortions, or aberrations, in the path and that it possesses many intrinsic security aspects. The system is also inherently robust, relatively low cost and extremely well suited to high frequency communications with moving platforms. BENEFITS: This low cost automatic tracking system has major applications to moving vehicles. Since the system only sends and receives signals with the designated target, communications are secure and low power. The tracking operates at the speed of the conjugation process - which is virtually instantaneous. In addition to military applications we see this system as potentially useful -for every commercial car, truck, and plane.