Optically Millimeter-Wave Beam-Forming Based-on Patch-Antenna Array with Electro-Optic Modulator for Communication and Radar Systems

摘要

We propose an optically wireless millimeter-wave beam-forming based-on an antenna array with an electro-optic (EO) modulator for applications to communication and radar. An Array of patch-antennas are fabricated on an EO modulator bonded with a low dielectric constant material for receiving wireless millimeter-wave signals and converting the received millimeter-wave to lightwave signals through the Pockels effects of an EO crystal. By using the array structure, high antenna gain and narrow wireless millimeter-wave beam-width can be obtained for effective operation. Furthermore, the beam-forming of wireless millimeter-wave signals can be controlled to certain direction using polarization-reversed methods. The polarization-reversed method with meandering gaps in the metal patch is used, where it has simple structure and easy in realization. In this report, analysis of the optically wireless beam-forming with narrow beam-width (<5 degree) and large beam scanning area (up to 120 degree) for millimeter-wave operations is discussed. The optically millimeter-wave beam-forming can be used for realizing directed wireless communication and scanned millimeter-wave radar systems.