Fourier transform optically controlled phased array antenna in receiving operation

Optically controlled beam forming techniques are effective for phased-array antenna control. We have developed the Fourier transform optical beamformer (FT-OBF). In the FT-OBF, the antenna radiation pattern inputted into an amplitude only spatial light modulator is optically Fourier transformed to a specific phase-front light beam equivalent to an antenna excitation distribution. We developed the prototype of an optically controlled phased array antenna, and demonstrated the beam steering and the differential radiation beam generation in the received C-band RF signal.