Multiwavelength optical beam forming network with ring resonator-based binary-tree architecture for broadband phased array antenna systems

Integrated optical beam forming networks (OBFNs) offer many advantages for phased array applications. ORR-based true-time-delay units can be cascaded in a binary tree topology and tuned for continuously-adjustable broadband time delay. Nonetheless, with large number of antenna elements, the OBFN may become very complex. A novel idea is proposed to exploit the frequency periodicity of the ORRs and the WDM technique to achieve multiple-signal-paths on a single beamformer, thus reducing complexity and costs. The use of high index contrast waveguides in Si-compatible technology further reduces chip footprint and allows the use of integrated OBFNs for large arrays and multi-beam applications

Optical phase synchronization in coherent optical beamformers for phased array receive antennas

An optical phase synchronization system using a power feedback loop technique is experimentally demonstrated. The system allows coherent combining of signals modulated on the same optical carrier in a hybrid optical beam forming system setup

Single-Frequency, Narrow-Linewidth Distributed Feedback Waveguide Laser in Al2O3:Er3+ on Silicon

A distributed feedback channel waveguide laser in erbium-doped aluminum oxide on a silicon substrate is reported. The optically pumped laser has a threshold pump power of 15 mW and emits 3 mW in single-frequency operation at 1545.2 nm wavelength with a slope efficiency of 6.2% and linewidth of 15 kHz

Analysis of phase noise and cnr degradation of externally generated lo signal in lnb for ku-band dvb-s systems by heterodyning two lasers

We investigate the externally generation of an LO signal by optical heterodyning, which is then distributed to each of the mixers at every antenna element of a phased array antenna used for standard DVB-S (digital Video Broadcasting-Satellite) reception system. The system1 is presented in Figure 1. The Ku-Band (10.7 GHz ~12.75 GHz) RF signal from the antenna array is amplified and then down converted to IF (950 MHz to 2150 MHz) at the mixer by a 9.75 GHz LO signal generated by optical heterodynin

Automatic transmission parameters measurement and radiation pattern simulation for an RF photonic integrated beamformer

We present the implementation and demonstration of a software tool for the performance characterization of integrated N-by-1 photonic beamformers for phased array antennas. The software operates the automatic measurement of the transmission parameters of an equivalent N+1 ports microwave network, corresponding to the complex excitations of the individual antenna elements of the array. The measured excitations are used to simulate the array factor generated by the optical beamformer and to analyze it in terms of maximum directivity, sidelobe levels and wideband behaviour. The software provides a useful tool to test the wideband performance of the network, the effects of excitation inaccuracies, and a straightforward evaluation of the effects of amplitude and phase weighting for beam shaping

System integration and radiation pattern measurements of a phased array antenna employing an integrated photonic beamformer for radio astronomy applications

In this paper we describe the system integration and the experimental demonstration of a photonically beamformed four-element receiving array antenna for radio astronomy applications. To our knowledge, the work described here is the first demonstration of the squint-free, continuously tunable beamsteering capability offered by an integrated photonic beamformer based on optical ring resonator truetime-delay units, with measured radiation patterns. The integrated beamformer is realized in a low loss, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatible optical waveguide technology. The measurements show a wideband, continuous beamsteering operation over a steering angle of 23.5 degrees and an instantaneous bandwidth of 500 MHz limited only by the measurement setup