A photonically-controlled, reconfigurable phased-array antenna concept, based on the principle of laser activation of photoconductive silicon, is described. Its novel features include reconfigurability, steerability, low radar cross-section, wide-frequency capability, multifunctional use with a shared aperture, and modularity. The distinguishing feature of the concept is the use of photoconductive silicon bowtie radiating elements, which are activated by laser light. Conceptual array architecture consists of a vertical card design which offers improved structural capability and is modular, enabling easy replacement or rework of cards. Preliminary design of a 30.5 cm/spl times/30.5 cm vertical-card array, which includes photonic cards, ground plane, and radome for a 1-18 GHz phased-array antenna, is presented. Preliminary results indicate the required optical power (0.6-0.8 W/cm/sup 2/) for acceptable RF performance and illumination efficiency is satisfactory. Further improvements in photonic efficiency (target of 0.1 W/cm/sup 2/) are anticipated using highly-efficient multilayered dielectric coatings, optimized metallization patterns on the silicon radiating elements, and improvements in the optical-fiber feed system. RF modeling suggests a minor influence of "off"-state elements on the radiating patterns of an active silicon center element. Metallization of the radiating elements results in a 2/spl times/ reduction in silicon active area, and corresponding reduction in optical power demand.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    A 1-18 GHz photonically-reconfigurable phased-array antenna


    Contributors:
    Liu, D. (author) / Charette, D. (author) / Bergeron, M. (author) / Karwacki, H. (author) / Adams, S. (author) / Kustas, F. (author) / Farley, K. (author) / Munson, R. (author)


    Publication date :

    1998-01-01


    Size :

    571668 byte





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Photonically controlled phased arrays [3463-02]

    Ng, W. W. / Loo, R. Y. / Tangonan, G. L. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998


    Photonically controlled phased-array null steering using wavelets [3714-17]

    Taylor, B. K. / Zmuda, H. / SPIE | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999


    A 1-18 GHz Phontonically-Reconfigurable Phased-Array Antenna

    Liu, D. / Charotto, D. / Bergeron, M. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998


    Photonically assisted arbitrary millimeter waveform generation

    McKinney, J.D. / Seo, D.S. / Weiner, A.M. | IEEE | 2003