Smart Antenna Using Element-Level Photonic Up-Conversion to Generate an Apodized Beam-Space for Increased Spatial Isolation

A prototype linear radio frequency receive array that utilizes element-wise photonic up-conversion, via Mach-Zehnder modulators, a linear fiber array, and an accompanying optical beam-space processor, is described along with methods to generate an apodized beam-space output. A selected apodization scheme utilizing a weighted distribution of a master laser is described, simulated, and prototyped via variable attenuators in order to measure the output sidelobe levels. Results of the apodization technique are then shown via an experiment where two sources of varying power levels are spatially isolated via the apodized beam-space output.