Transmit/receive module of multiwavelength optically controlled phased-array antennas

We report on a transmit/receive module of multiwavelength optically controlled phased-array antennas. Both transmit and receive mode of the module employs a single programmable dispersion matrix to provide true time delays for all antenna elements. The multiwavelength receiver combines antenna signals in the optical domain without suffering from coherent interference. Therefore, squint-free receiver over a broad frequency band can be achieved. Experimentally, squint-free beam receiving with 2-b scan angle resolution is demonstrated over an equipment-limited frequency range from dc to 4 GHz.