Photonic modules for millimeter wave communication systems

Photonics for phased array antennas and hybrid/fiber millimeter-wave communication systems are being considered. For these systems to be cost effective the integration of photonics with millimeter wave components in a single module that can operate up to Q/V-band is recommended. To accomplish this high level of integration, opto-electronic monolithic integrated circuits (OEICs) must be developed and housed in low-cost packaging incorporated with antennas. Photodetectors with >50 GHz bandwidths have been developed using a new modeling software. This photodetector technology is used in an initial development of an OEIC. The demonstration of a first generation photonic module was performed using these photodetectors.