Photonic beamformer with flexible interface for phased array antennas

We have proposed and experimentally demonstrated a novel photonic beamformer with flexible interface for broadcast mode phased antenna arrays (PAAs). The beam controller has the capability to provide 2/spl pi/ RF phase shifts desired for narrowband beamforming. The experimental results attest to the functionality and applicability of our system in smart antennas for efficient wireless communication. Future work relates to the optimization of the controller architecture.