This comprehensive design guide explains the advantages of fiber optics over conventional coaxial cables and beamforming networks, and details the background, characteristics, fabrications, source components, and design data necessary for applying optical fiber technology to the beamforming networks for space and ground segment antennas. It also explores the use of fiber optics in phased array antennas, and interfacing problems between optical and microwave components. Includes 169 illustrations and 186 equations.
Introduction. Optical Fiber Types, Fabrication, Radiation, and Reliability. Radio Frequency Beamforming/Scanning Techniques. Acousto-Optics Time-Delays for Phased Array Antennas. Optically Controlled Beam Scanning of Active Phased Array Antennas. Hardware-Compressive Fiber Optical Delay Line for Steering of Phased Array Antennas. Optical Beam Steering of Antenna Array Using Two Lasers.