Optical beam forming and steering architectures for satcom phased-array antennas

The application of photonics in beam forming and steering of large phased array antennas onboard satcom/avionics systems is addressed. Several optical beam forming and steering feed architectures using fiber optic true time delay elements, integrated optical phase and frequency shifters, and coherent Fourier optical processors are assessed for their capability and technology feasibility in spaceborne systems in the Ka/Ku band.