True time-delay scheme for feeding optically controlled phased-array antennas using chirped-fiber gratings

A novel approach of true-time delay (TTD) optical feeder for phased-array antennas is proposed and demonstrated. A compact size continuously variable TTD is achieved by employing tunable lasers and one wide bandwidth chirped-fiber grating as dispersive element. A high-resolution performance (5.3 ps) is obtained for a 26-GHz phased-array antenna employing narrow tuning bandwidth lasers with a wavelength stability of 0.005 nm and a 4 nm bandwidth chirped grating.