研究目的
To demonstrate optical beamforming for microwave phased array antennas implemented with a heterogeneous multicore fiber link, enabling radiofrequency signal processing in a distributed manner.
研究成果
The study successfully demonstrated optical beamforming networks for phased array antennas using a dispersion-engineered heterogeneous multicore fiber. The MCF-based TTDL allowed for tunable beam-steering by adjusting the optical wavelength, avoiding squint-beam effects. This approach opens new possibilities for fiber-distributed signal processing in microwave photonics and other applications requiring chromatic dispersion or group delay modification.
研究不足
The smallest cores (cores 1 and 2) were more affected by fabrication errors, leading to deviations from the designed incremental group delay slope. These cores may not be suitable for applications requiring precise space-diversity signal processing.
1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:
The study involves designing and fabricating a heterogeneous multicore fiber (MCF) to act as a sampled true time delay line (TTDL) for optical beamforming. The MCF comprises 7 trench-assisted cores, each with unique dimensions and dopant concentrations to achieve different group delays and chromatic dispersion behaviors.
2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:
The MCF was designed using numerical software Fimmwave from Photon Design and fabricated by YOFC company. The fiber length was 5 km, with fan-in/fan-out devices spliced at both ends for light injection and extraction.
3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
Equipment includes a tunable laser, electro-optical modulator (EOM), erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), photodetectors (PD), variable optical attenuators (VOAs), variable optical delay lines (VDLs), and a digital phosphor oscilloscope (DPO).
4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
The experimental setup involved modulating an optical signal with an RF signal, amplifying it, splitting it into the MCF cores, and detecting the signals independently. The phase differences between cores were measured to determine the beam-pointing angle.
5：Data Analysis Methods:
The array factor of the phased array antenna was computed using the measured phase differences between cores, demonstrating beam-steering capabilities by tuning the optical wavelength.
独家科研数据包，助您复现前沿成果，加速创新突破
获取完整内容
