Photonic controlled multiple beamformer based on spatial and wavelength division multiplexing

We propose an optically controlled multiple-beam phased array antenna employing spatial and wavelength division multiplexing. The wavelength multiplexed light beams are separated spatially by their own wavelengths using an optical band pass filter. Each separated light beam is spatially phase modulated by a phase-only spatial light modulator. Then, all phase modulated light beams are overlapped, again. These light beams are spatially sampled by a two-dimensional optical fiber array and photo-electronically converted to microwave signals at the O/E converters. Finally, these microwave signals are emitted from an array antenna. The prototype of the OBF enables control of 10 beams and 110 antenna element, individually. We have demonstrated beam steering and multiple beam formation at 18 GHz. The feasibility of the multiple-beam optically controlled beamformer is confirmed.