Fiberoptic/Electro-optic antenna arrays with wide tuning range (PR01-486)

"We propose to research, design, and develop electric field sensing and signal processing techniques based on our unique all-fiber approach to RF photonics. Previous developments in optical modulator technology (110 GHz, 106 dB electrical SNR, V ~ 8V) will be applied to making all-fiber receiver antennas and to upgrading our optical millimeter wave synthesis technology (4-60 GHz, 10 ms setting time, 20 Hz linewidth) for use in carrier frequency and signal generation for transmit antennas. Comparedwith conventional RF photonics using glass or crystalline integrated optic materials, these devices have the potential for much lower excess loss, better optical performance, better power handling, and much lower cost. These systems by themselves alreadyhave a large number of commercial and military applications - both in RF photonics and telecommunications."