True-time delay steering of phased array radars using slow light

Application of slow light linear delay to squint-free (true-time delay) steering of phased array radar antennae is discussed. Theoretical analysis is provided on true-time delay radar requirements, including delay precision, amplitude precision, and bandwidth. We also discuss an improvement to the slow light technique based on stimulated Brillouin scattering by using a Faraday rotator mirror that provides temporally stable, linear (with pump power) delay, applicable to practical implementations. Future directions are considered.

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