Coherent rf signal combining in phased array using photonic techniques

Fiber optic RF distribution of signals has many attractive features but can be problematic when the combining function of an array is attempted at optical frequencies. A photodiode array is described that permits the simultaneous detection of RF modulation in optical links and the combining of the resultant RF signals in a coherent fashion. A small photodiode array was built and tested in a phased array to demonstrate beam formation.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.