Optically-Controlled Serially-fed Phased Array Antenna

Pacific Wave Industries, Inc. ("PWI") propose to develop a new optically controlled phased array antenna system which is based upon a serial-feed concept. This system represents a major change from conventional parallel-feed; approaches and offers major simplifications in both optical and microwave components. The system we have designed offers true time delay for beem steering and requires but a single laser, optical modulator and time delay element. The system is uniquely robust in that it can have redundant components at modest cost. It is extremely broadband and can handle 2-D arrays and multiple beams with minor modifications. Our approach is uniqely photonic in design in that the use of fiber-optic techniques, such as low loss delay lines, is intrinsic to this new architecture. This distinguishes it from the current generation of optically controlled systems which merely substitute optical components for appropriate RF elements. The concept we propose has been validated with a simple two-element two-wavelenght transmit prototype. Due to the dynamic nature of the system, we therefore propose to evaluate this concept with an intensive computer modeling and simulation. This evaluation will be used in determining the parameters of the final system implementation. Serial-feed concept opens up a possibility for a low cost, affordable RF Sensor system. The unique timing capability of proposed concept is naturally suited to the implementation of multibit true time delay steering for two dimensional arrays. Applications range from Army air defense radars and FAA air traffic radars to vehicle collision avoidance Systems.