Integrated optical components for phased arrays

The use of optical fibers for the distribution of the various signals required by phased-array antennas has particular advantages for millimeter-wave applications. The present investigation is concerned with two key components of the transmit reference network, taking into account the optical modulator and the equiphase power splitter. The distribution network for transmitter and local oscillator references basically consists of a modulated source whose output is split among M fibers, each one terminating at a single detector inside an array module. M can vary between 10 and 10,000. It is found that the combination of fiber optics and integrated optical devices can play a key role in improving the performance, and reducing the overall cost, of future high frequency radar systems by providing a very compact, EMI immune method for the distribution of wide bandwidth radar signals to individual elements of phased array antennas.