A brief history of photonic antenna reconfiguration

The primary focus of photonics for antenna systems has, historically, been on the development of link and beam steering techniques. By using photonically controlled devices and materials it is possible to produce revolutionary changes in antenna elements and in the design and properties of arrays, opening the door for a new class of antennas. In this paper we survey the history and current status of photonically reconfigurable antennas. We look at photonic control of reactive devices and the optically variable capacitor (OVC/sup TM/) and the evolution of this device towards monolithic integration. Finally, we also look at the state of photonically reconfigurable silicon and its application to antenna design.