Sharif Digital Repository

Next generation wideband and ultra-wideband radar antenna arrays need efficient true-time delay networks for array control. Optical beam-forming networks have been considered as a promising solution in such arrays. Performance analysis of optical beam-formers is thus quiet necessary. In this paper signal to noise ratio and dynamic range of simple optical beam-forming structures are investigated with a custom microwave CAD tool. Two structures with optical and RF power combining methods are discussed. With the proposed devices' parameters, the optical combining method shows better performance for low and moderate optical powers  

Next generation wideband and ultra-wideband radar antenna arrays need efficient true-time delay networks for array control. Following the great interest for optical control of antenna array beam steering, performance analysis of optical beam-formers is a must. In this paper signal to noise ratio and dynamic range of simple optical beamforming structures with components off the shelf are investigated theoretically. Especially the effects of certain power combining components such as arrayed wave guide gratings, broadband passive optical combiners and microwave combiners inspected. It turns up that an efficient microwave combiner would surpass the optical combiners in both SNR and dynamic...