Spatial light modulator based optically controlled beamformer for variable multiple-spot beam antenna

We propose and demonstrate an optically controlled multiple-beam phased array antenna employing spatial light modulator. Developed prototype of the optical beamformer enables control multiple-beam direction and width; we demonstrated beamforming operation at 18 GHz. Furthermore, we have performed the communication test such as the bit error ratio (BER) test, data rate of 622 Mbps and 1244 Mbps in the digital communication link. We have confirmed that this optical beamformer had no serious effect for BER performance.