Nondestructive reflection imaging in the W-band using photonics-based incoherent signal source

Radio-based nondestructive imaging is demonstrated with photonics-based signal source. Photonics technology has advantages on use of an amplified spontaneous emission noise from an optical amplifier utilized as an incoherent signal and easy distribution feature via an optical fiber network. Fiber-remoted optical-to-millimeter-wave converter irradiates 90-GHz radio waves based on an optical fiber network technology. Low-loss optical fibers enable scalability to increase of a number of converters and flexibility of location configuration of illuminators. Reflection imaging is performed in a 90-GHz band under single and multi-illumination configuration. Obtained images are consistent with theoretical resolution.