We propose to develop a new polymeric photonic RF phase shifter suitable for electronically scanned optically interconnected phased array antenna system, which will have unique capabilities for early-warning radars, command control, and communications. The phase shifter will combine novel electro-optic polymer materials with a unique triple-nested Mach-Zehnder architecture for optimized performance. This photonic RF phase shifter offers major simplifications in the optically controlled phased array architecture, dramatically reducing the number of microwave components and allowing for remote operation via a single optical fiber. Our system offers electronic beam steering combined with an optically interconnected distribution network in a very simple robust package requiring just a single phase shifting element and a minimum of optical components. The system is compact and very lightweight. Its remote optically interconnected control unit allows for conformal implementation of phase array antenna radiating elements. Our approach combines recent USC advances in electro-optic polymer materials with Pacific Wave Industries newly developed serial feed configuration for optically controlled phased arrays. This distinguishes it from the current generation of electronically scanned antennas as well as older optically controlled systems, which merely substitute optical components for appropriate RF elements. This program will develop a new generation of photonically controlled RF devices based on novel electro-optic polymer materials. Our photonic RF phase shifter opens up a way of implementing electronically scanned phased array antennas, which will be extremely lightweight, small in size and remotely controlled. The use of our optical serially fed interconnects will reduce the cost and weight so that numerous applications will now become practical for the NMD, FAA and commercial markets.
Keywords: Electro-Optic Polymer Mach-Zehnder Modulator Photonic Rf Phase Shifter Phase Array Antenna
