Experimental demonstration of a microwave photonic link using an optically phased antenna array for a millimeter wave band

Abstract

We present a hybrid radiofrequency and microwave photonic link at 25 GHz using the chromatic dispersion of an optical fiber to steer the beam of a three-element planar dipole-based phased antenna array (PAA). Our team has designed and developed an in-house built PAA, experimentally verified its parameters, and successfully demonstrated optically controlled beam steering as measured in an anechoic chamber. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the optically based beam steering in the proposed microwave photonics system has been carried out, with data transmission achieving an error vector magnitude as low as 5.6% for the frequency of 25 GHz and 20 MHz bandwidth.

Shared-Aperture 24–28 GHz Waveguide Antenna Array

“…The radiation patterns for a different setting of excitation signals at the connectors were simulated and measured to test the beam-steering performance of the array, and its suitability for use in the microwave photonic link that is also investigated by the authors [25]. The measurement was performed in the anechoic chamber with the help of the NSI-MI Technologies far-field antenna measurement system [31], see Figure 6.…”

“…Its elements are based on an H waveguide radiating through a horn aperture and excited by a microstrip line. The proposed array is intended for use in the subsequent development of the microwave photonic link that is also investigated by the authors [25]. The concept of the shared aperture is generally discussed in [26].…”