Fiber optic array antenna using optical waveguide structure

Some considerations on array antenna configurations using optical waveguide structures are presented. Using the advantage of fiber optic links, it is possible to eliminate the control lines to the active microwave modules. Consequently, simplified array antenna configurations will be feasible. In addition, a configuration of a beamforming network using an optically integrated circuit is proposed. The performance of an RF phase shifter using an optical waveguide structure was demonstrated. RF phase shifts close to the theoretical values were confirmed at an RF frequency of 10 MHz. Electrooptic devices using optical waveguide structures intrinsically have a potential to operate at an RF frequency of up to several gigahertz. Experimental results showed the feasibility of the proposed array antenna configurations. >