Hybrid optoelectronic vector matrix multipliers using guided-wave and micro-optic components

摘要

There is a need for faster processing hardware to provide modern radar systems with advanced capabilities such as multiple hypothesis tracking, real-time clutter removal and space-time adaptive beamforming (STAP) for jammer nulling. One approach that may help to meet this need is to use analogue methods in parts of the signal processing chain using optoelectronics. The vector-matrix multiplier is a powerful optical processing architecture that potentially offers very large gains in computation speed, but has not so far become commercially successful. This paper reports investigation of a novel arrangement for this type of processor that is aimed at improving the prospects for commercialisation, using guided-wave and micro-optic components. This approach will assist miniaturisation of the processor and improve ruggedness and scalability to large matrices.