Photonically Assisted 2D Transmit Array Using Fourier-Based Beamformer

This paper developed a photonically actuated ultrawideband, two-dimensional transmit array using a Fourier optical lens as a beamformer. Data encoding was developed, in which custom IF signal/data can be modulated on phase locked tunable optical paired sources (TOPS). To exhibit two-dimensional (2D) beam scanning, a 2D RF frontend, consisting of tapered slot array (TSA), Medium power amplifier (MPA), and needle photodetector (PD) arrays, were developed. Experimental measurement of far field of the developed system was conducted to demonstrate 2D wide angular beam steering over an ultrawide frequency band from 10 to 20 GHz.