Photonics-based FMCW Radar Localization using Direct Laser Modulation and Leaky-Wave Antenna Beam Scanning

This paper reports on the successful demonstration of a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) photonic radar system based on direct laser modulation, optical mm-wave signal generation and beam steering antenna technology. The developed radar system is designated for mobile user localization in future 26 GHz mm-wave 5G communications. The optical sweep allows effective use of radio-over-fiber distribution and sector scanning via steerable PCB high gain leaky-wave antennas (LWAs), developed to support user mobility. Experimentally, a high ranging accuracy with an error of 2 cm at 600 cm distance, corresponding to a relative error of only 0.33% is demonstrated.