Optical processing for adaptive phased array radar

Three new optical signal processing techniques for adaptive phased array radar (APAR) signal processing are described. The coherent optical correlator uses acousto-optic transducers and computes the far-field noise distribution of the antenna. Digital post-processing is then used to compute the adaptive weights from this information. A new hybrid time and space integrating optical signal processing architecture is advanced and a new adjunct antenna concept is introduced for this processor. Initial acousto-optic experimental results and initial simulations are advanced. An electronic support system and the necessary post-processing issues are described. The second technique uses an input LED array and fiber optic interconnections with a linear photo detector to realize a vector-matrix processor. With the addition of an electronic feedback system, an iterative optical processor results. This system computes the set of adaptive weights given the covariance matrix of the noise field and the desired steering vector. The design and performance of the system fabricated and its use in an APAR signal processing are described. A new wavelength diversity processor concept for the iterative optical processor is described in many new algorithms and potential applications of the system are provided.