Optical techniques for signal distribution and control in phased array radars

The paper describes the basis of an optical signal distribution and control scheme for phased array radars. Such a scheme requires the handling of a variety of signals: RF reference signals at frequencies up to at least 15GHz with high stability and signal-to-noise ratio; IF signals of large dynamic range with high fractional bandwidth; digital control commands at up to a few Mbit/s data rate. All these signals can, in principle, be transmitted on a single optical fiber as modulations of the optical carrier, greatly simplifying the signal distribution network. The treatment in this paper is given with the aim of quantifying the design constraints of such as scheme.