Optical techniques in phased arrays

Reviews application of optical signal distribution in phased arrays. Properties of the fibre transmission medium are described. The performance of optical sources and detectors is reviewed, leading to calculations of loss and signal to noise ratio for the complete distribution system. Novel beam forming networks using dispersive and nondispersive optical fibre trees are introduced. Optically controlled microwave devices are described and their application to phased arrays discussed. The paper concludes with an assessment of the current status of optically controlled phased arrays and predictions of future trends