A novel multiwavelength optically controlled phased array antenna with a programmable dispersion matrix

We propose and demonstrate a "programmable-dispersion" matrix (PDM) for a novel multiwavelength optically controlled phased array antenna (MWOCPAA). The PDM, when employed in conjunction with a multiwavelength source, generates all the time delays for the entire array. In this multiwavelength control scheme, an optical wavelength-to-array element correspondence is established and there is no splitting loss associated with signal distribution to array elements. The time delays are controlled by the dispersion of the PDM which can be programmed by optical switches. Experimental results demonstrating the feasibility of the MWOCPAA are presented. Broadband linear RF phase shift is measured among various wavelength channels.