OPTICAL BEAM FORMING TECHNIQUES FOR PHASED-ARRAY ANTENNAS

Following an outline of established optical techniques for the generation and distribution of reference and control signals for phased array antennas, two novel approaches are put forward: (i) a 'nondispersive prism', controlling agile single beams or monopulse patterns, and (ii) a 'lens fed model array', which can control multiple, independent antenna beams. The prospects of fibre-optic transmission for other functions in the array are also considered.