Optically controlled meta-material phased array antenna system

摘要

A system includes a phased array antenna. The phased array antenna includes a rear panel that has: a first array of phase shift elements; and a second array of rear antenna elements. The phased array antenna also includes a front panel that has a third array of front antenna elements. Each of the front antenna elements is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the rear antenna elements through one of the phase shift elements. When the second array of rear antenna elements receives a radio signal from a base station and the first array of phase shift elements receives an optical control beam from the base station, the third array of antenna elements radiates an output radio signal in a direction indicated by the optical control beam.