Monolithic optical time shift network for phased arrays

The monolithic architecture described is an approach to the problem of integrating the functionality of an optical time shift network into a single component part. The silicon-based waveguide and light modulator are easily fabricated on a single substrate. This substrate provides the framework for mounting the GaAs sources and detectors (of the radar system) to complete the hybrid part. The architecture lends itself readily to expansion to up to 11 bits of true time delay. The basic architecture for the fully integrated optical time shift network is shown.<>