Patent ID: 6807343
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: G02B,H01Q

Abstract:
An optical beamformer, comprising:a laser for generating an optical signal; a modulator having a first input for receiving the optical signal, a second input for receiving an RF input signal, and an output for applying a modulated optical signal; a first plurality of optical paths, each said optical path of said first plurality of optical paths having an input coupled to the modulator output and an output; a dispersive prism having a plurality of inputs, each said prism input coupled to a corresponding optical path output of said first plurality of optical paths, and a plurality of corresponding outputs; a second plurality of optical paths, each said optical path of said second plurality of optical paths having an input coupled to a dispersive prism output and having an output; a plurality of time delay trimmers, each having an input coupled to a corresponding output of an optical path of said second plurality of optical paths and an output; a first plurality of attenuators, each having an input coupled to a corresponding time delay trimmer output, and an output; an optical switching matrix having a plurality of inputs, each coupled to a corresponding attenuator output, and having a plurality of reroutable outputs; a second plurality of attenuators, each having an input coupled to a corresponding reroutable output, and having a corresponding plurality of outputs; a plurality of photodetectors each having an input coupled to a corresponding output of an attenuator of said second plurality of attenuators and an output for applying a replica RF signal; and a plurality of time shifters, each having an input coupled to a corresponding photodetector output and an output for applying a plurality of time shifted RF signals.