Microwave optics for space and ground communications

Fiber optic and free space laser communications operating in microwave and millimeter-wave (M/MM) frequencies provide numerous advantages. Various M/MMW fiber optic and lasercom system applications, including satellite communications, phased-arrays, and antenna remotings for cellular/wireless/personal communications are described. Commercially available and state-of-the-art key components required for those systems are presented. Current technology and developments of two-dimensional vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VC-SEL) arrays and real-time multi-access laser communications employing an optical phased-array (OPA) are addressed. Either hybrid or monolithic OPA offers many distinctive and attractive features such as rapid laser beam forming and steering, efficient power combining, centimeter pointing accuracy, micro-radian beam width, and wide field-of-view. Affordable and mass producible OPA employing monolithic planar VC-SEL, binary optics and optoelectronic integrated circuits are also discussed