Abstract
We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel, hardware-compressive architecture for broadband and continuously tunable integrated optical true-time-delay beamformers. The architecture is based on on-chip wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) that, in conjunction with the frequency-periodic response of optical ring resonator (ORR) filters, dramatically reduces the network complexity and, in turn, its area occupation on the wafer. This allows the integration of an unprecedented number of delay channels on a single chip, overcoming the main limitation of current integrated beamformers, that is, the limited capability to feed very large arrays when using a single chip. Based on this technique, a novel device is realized with TriPleXTM waveguide technology, using CMOS-compatible fabrication equipment, and its functionality is demonstrated over the instantaneous 2-10 GHz bandwidth. At the best of our knowledge, this results represent at the same time the record instantaneous bandwidth (8 GHz) for an optical beamformer based on optical ring resonators (ORR), and the first demonstration of an integrated beamformer where signals from different antenna elements are processed simultaneously by individual delay lines, exploiting the periodic response of ORRs.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 2013 IEEE International Topical Meeting on Microwave Photonics, MWP 2013 |
Publisher | IEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
Pages | 41-44 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781467360715 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | IEEE International Topical Meeting on Microwave Photonics (MWP) 2013 - Hotel Monaco Alexandria, Alexandria, United States of America Duration: 28 Oct 2013 → 31 Oct 2013 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/conhome/6712976/proceeding (Proceedings) |
Conference
Conference | IEEE International Topical Meeting on Microwave Photonics (MWP) 2013 |
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Abbreviated title | MWP 2013 |
Country/Territory | United States of America |
City | Alexandria |
Period | 28/10/13 → 31/10/13 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- microwave photonics
- optical beamforming
- optical delay lines
- phased arrays
- resonators
- tunable delay