Title :
Characterization of a ferroelectric liquid crystal-based time delay unit for phased array antenna applications
Author :
Riza, Nabeel A. ; Madamopoulos, Nicholas
Author_Institution :
Centre for Res. & Educ. in Opt. & Lasers, Central Florida Univ., Orlando, FL, USA
fDate :
7/1/1997 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
An experimental demonstration of a photonic time delay unit (PTDU) based on ferroelectric liquid crystal devices and Thompson polarization beamsplitters (TBSs) is presented. High signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) (>96 dB) and optical polarization extinction ratios (ER,~40 dB) are demonstrated for the PTDU using an active noise filter technique. Using a 5 V peak square wave switch drive signal, a 70 μs switching speed is demonstrated for this PTDU that can be used in fast (e.g., 5000 beam/s) beam scanning phased array systems. A shorter switching speed of 35 μs is also observed using a high 15 V peak transitional voltage driving signal
Keywords :
adaptive antenna arrays; adaptive filters; antenna phased arrays; delays; ferroelectric liquid crystals; liquid crystal devices; optical noise; optical polarisers; spatial light modulators; μs switching speed; 15 V; 35 mus; 5 V; 70 mus; Thompson polarization beamsplitters; active noise filter technique; fast beam scanning phased array systems; ferroelectric liquid crystal devices; ferroelectric liquid crystal-based time delay unit; high signal-to-noise ratios; optical polarization extinction ratios; peak square wave switch drive signal; phased array antenna applications; photonic time delay unit; shorter switching speed; transitional voltage driving signal; Delay effects; Ferroelectric materials; Liquid crystal devices; Liquid crystals; Optical filters; Optical noise; Optical polarization; Phased arrays; Photonic crystals; Signal to noise ratio;
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of
