Ultra-Wideband Direction Finding Using A Fiber Optic Beamforming Processor

Stephen A Pappert

doi:10.1117/12.944202

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12 April 1988 Ultra-Wideband Direction Finding Using A Fiber Optic Beamforming Processor

Stephen A Pappert

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Proceedings Volume 0886, Optoelectronic Signal Processing for Phased-Array Antennas; (1988) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.944202
Event: 1988 Los Angeles Symposium: O-E/LASE '88, 1988, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper describes a wideband electro-optic direction finding (DF) processor employing an array of laser diodes, an array of photodetectors, and a network of fiber optic delay lines. This DF filter offers a potential operational bandwidth in excess of 10 GHz and allows for multiple, simultaneous beam angular responses with peaks which are independent of frequency. Two eight-laser, two-beam laboratory test model DF devices, one utilizing multimode optical fiber and the other single-mode fiber, were constructed. These experimental optical beamforming filters are operable in the 100-2000 MHz frequency range and can simultaneously monitor two angles of arrival. Experiments were performed to determine the two system's sensitivity, dynamic range, angular resolution, and frequency response. It is concluded from theoretical and experimental results obtained that the multimode DF device is slightly superior in performance to the single-mode system due to the higher throughput optical power levels possible with multimode systems. Further, it is concluded that this fiber optic beamforming processor can be a useful device for ultra-wideband DF.

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Stephen A Pappert "Ultra-Wideband Direction Finding Using A Fiber Optic Beamforming Processor", Proc. SPIE 0886, Optoelectronic Signal Processing for Phased-Array Antennas, (12 April 1988); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.944202

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