Next-generation photonic true time delay devices as enabled by a new electro-optic architecture

Abstract

We present new photonic-true-time-delay (PTTD) devices, which are a key component for phased array antenna (PAA) and phased array radar (PAR) systems. These new devices, which are highly manufacturable, provide the previously unattainable combination of <i>large time delay tunability and low insertion loss</i>, in a form factor that enables integration of many channels in a compact package with very modest power consumption. The low size, weight, and power are especially advantageous for satellite deployment. These devices are enabled by: i) “Optical Path Reflectors” or OPRs that compresses a &gt;20 foot change in optical path length, i.e., a &gt;20 nsec tuning of delay, into a very compact package (only centimeters), and ii) electro-optic angle actuators that can be used to voltage tune or voltage select the optical time delay. We have designed and built OPRs that demonstrated: large time delay tunability (<i>&lt;30 nsecs</i>), high RF bandwidth (<i>&gt;40 GHz and likely much higher), high resolution (&lt;200 psec</i>), and low and constant insertion loss (<i>&lt; 1 dB and varying by &lt; 0.5 dB</i>). We also completed a full design and manufacturing run of improved EO angle actuators that met the PTTD scanner requirements. Finally, a complete optical model of these integrated devices will be presented, specifically; the design for a multi-channel (400 channels) PTTD device will be discussed. The applicability and/or risks for space deployment will be discussed.