A new model for two dimensional light modulated microwave imaging array

A new model for a two dimensional laser beam scanned microwave imaging array is described. The array element is multiloaded segmented dipole, which could be a dipole with photosensitive elements between the segments. Theoretical studies show that the current along the dipole can be reduced to a very small value, giving very high modulation and low mutual coupling. Experimental results are presented at 8.4 GHz with an ordinary dipole and a physical model of the segmented dipole. The results agree very well with theoretical case and the effective modulation factor is about 92%. This type of array can be used for general field imaging, the exact details depending on the system requirements.