Two-dimensional optical architecture for time-delay beam forming in a phased-array antenna.

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a new two-dimensional optical architecture based on polarization switching by N spatial light modulators that provides 2(N) time delays to a phased-array antenna of p x p radiating elements. Moreover the 0 to 2pi phase of the microwave signals is optically controlled by a liquid-crystal spatial light modulator that operates in the birefringent mode. The microwave signal originates from the coherent detection of a dual-frequency laser beam obtained with an acousto-optic frequency shifter. Preliminary experimental results obtained at a microwave frequency f = 1.85 GHz are presented.