Trends in photonics applied to electronic warfare at Brazilian airforce

This paper presents an overview of the research activities on photonic which are underway at the Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronautica (ITA) under the sponsorship of the Brazilian Airforce Electronic Warfare Center (CGEGAr). Acousto-optic power spectrum analyzer and integrated optic lithium niobate modulators performances are discussed based on versatile computer aided design methods. An all optical RF oscillator comprising an integrated Mach-Zehnder type modulator and a fiber optic feedback loop is presented as a potential candidate for highly stable EW signal generator. Integrated optic modulator application to a beam forming network for phased array antenna is also discussed.