Coplanar phased array antenna with optical feeder and photonic bandgap structure

A novel coplanar broadband dipole phased array sending antenna with optical feeder network and photonic bandgap structure has been developed. Hybridly integrated opto-electronic receivers and high-gain MMIC power amplifiers detect the modulated optical input power and deliver a 20-GHz microwave signal to the antenna elements. A planar photonic bandgap structure surrounding each dipole and its electric feeder line suppresses parallel plate modes of the conductor-backed substrate. The relative antenna bandwidth could be tripled from 7.5% to 22%.