Spatial optical beam-forming network (OBFN) is a superior structure than traditional ones in bandwidth adaptability, system complexity, and so forth. Compared with conventional beam-forming network, the output signal model of OBFN is different, making the previous direction of arrival (DOA) estimation methods improper for this structure. At present, DOA estimation method for this structure has not been sufficiently explored and there is no efficient algorithm. In this paper, the observation model of the network is established first, and then a new DOA estimation method is proposed. The new method makes use of the amplitude distribution of the fiber array to achieve direction finding. Sufficient numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.

A direction of arrival estimation method for spatial optical beam-forming network

This paper reviews some of the recent efforts in the area of microwave–optical interactions applied to active integrated antennas and arrays. Two optical–microwave techniques and examples of their application are presented. First, antenna remoting via optical means is discussed. Second, optical control of microwave devices in active antenna circuits is demonstrated.

Tatsuo Itoh

Papers

Optical techniques for active integratedantenna circuits