A comparison of optical distribution and steering mechanisms for phased array antennas

Considerations currently being given to large phased-array antennas, particularly for spacecraft applications, make phased arrays an attractive target for fiber-optic applications. The authors explore some of the ways optical technology can be applied in the beam control aspect of phased-array antennas. They present a brief survey and comparison of emerging technologies and approaches. The aspects of phased-array design emphasized are frequency synchronization and beam steering. System performance and implementation aspects of both issues in fibre-optic control are addressed.<>