Optical feed for a phased array microwave antenna

Microwave signals for all array elements in a phared array microwave antenna are simultaneously generated by spatial sampling of a moving sinusoidal interference pattern formed between two frequency-offset injection-locked laser diodes. The offset and radar frequency of 3.2 GHz were generated by a Bragg cell. A nearly distortionless antenna beam pattern and 180° steering are demonstrated in a linear seven-element array.