Title :
Fiber-optic prism true time-delay antenna feed
Author :
Esman, Ronald D. ; Frankel, Michael Y. ; Dexter, L. ; Goldberg, L. ; Parent, M.G. ; Stilwell, D. ; Cooper, D.G.
Author_Institution :
Naval Res. Lab., Washington, DC, USA
Abstract :
Experimental results for an optical-control technique for implementing a true time-delay function for array antennas are reported. A microwave signal is transmitted on a wavelength-tunable optical carrier through a fiber-optic prism-a set of nominally equal-delay fibers with differing net dispersion-to photodetectors that feed each antenna element. The relative interelement time-delay (beam angle) adjustment is accomplished by tuning the optical carrier wavelength. Measured antenna patterns of a two-element array clearly demonstrate beam steering and true time-delay operation over a two-octave bandwidth of 2-8 GHz.<>
Keywords :
antenna feeders; antenna phased arrays; antenna radiation patterns; delays; microwave antenna arrays; optical communication equipment; 2 to 8 GHz; antenna element; beam angle; beam steering; equal-delay fibers; fiber-optic prism; measured antenna patterns; microwave signal; optical carrier wavelength tuning; optical control; photodetectors; time-delay antenna feed; true time-delay function; two-octave bandwidth; wavelength-tunable optical carrier; Antenna arrays; Antenna feeds; Antenna measurements; Beam steering; Microwave antennas; Optical arrays; Optical tuning; Photodetectors; Transmitting antennas; Wavelength measurement;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
