Optical Phased Array Antenna Research Articles

Experimental demonstration of an optical phased array antenna for laser space communications

The feasibility of an optical phased array antenna applicable for spaceborne laser communications was experimentally demonstrated. Heterodyne optical phase-locked loops provide for a defined phase relationship between the collimated output beams of three single-mode fibers. In the far field the beams interfere with a measured efficiency of 99%. The main lobe of the interference pattern can be moved by phase shifting the subaperture output beams. The setup permitted agile beam steering within an angular range of 1 mr and a response time of 0.7 ms. We propose an operational optical phased array antenna fed by seven lasers, featuring high transmit power and redundance.

Optical Beam Steering Using a Multichannel Lithium Tantalate Crystal

A multichannel phase modulator is described which employs the electrooptic roperties of lithium tantalate to achieve phase modulation. The modulator's speed and 2pi voltage are compatible with high speed microelectronics. The beam steering properties of this one-dimensional optical phased array antenna are described, and the beam steering results for a forty-six-channel modulator are given.