Digital holographic systhesis of pattern-forming transparencies for ring antenna arrays

Digital holographic methods are described for synthesizing the pattern-forming transparency employed in the coherent optical processor of ring antenna arrays performing parallel azimuth and frequency scanning at fixed elevations. The structure of the pattern-forming transparency is analyzed, and the digital holographic transparency recording is described. The results of experimentation with the coherent optical processor of a ring array are presented. The findings confirm the possibility of replacing digital processors with coherent optical processors for handling the signals produced by ring (cylindrical) antenna arrays.