Optically driven CPW-fed slot antenna for wireless communications

The characteristics of a micromachined CPW-fed slot antenna array driven by converting optical power into microwave power using RF photodetectors are presented. The CPW line is connected to the active surface of the photodetector, from which the microwave power propagates to feed the radiating slot. The photodetector is fed via an optical fiber from beneath. The output microwave frequency from the photodetector is in the range 15 GHz-30 GHz. The analysis is performed using IE3D(R). The scattering parameters and radiation patterns are obtained for one antenna element and for a four-element antenna array. The results show a very good bandwidth and radiation characteristics of this antenna.