Overview of optically driven antenna systems

摘要

In this paper, simple methods to obtain phase shifts and an amplitude regulation using electro-optical technique, with purpose to drive antenna array systems, are presented. This solution comprises true-time delay properties of the optics fiber, driven by tuneable lasers. In the following overview, several techniques proposed by different authors are presented. All methods are based on the same idea, which consists on setting the radiofrequency (RF) signal phase and amplitude in the optical domain instead of using radiofrequency techniques. Trough the electro-optical conversion the RF signal is transferred onto an optical carrier, where it can be influenced to achieve the desired result.