Patent ID: 11664905

Abstract:
An RF imaging receiver using photonic spatial beam processing is provided with an optical beam steerer that directs the modulated optical signals to steer the composite optical signal and move the location of the spot on the optical detector array. The optical beam steerer may be implemented with one or more phase-dependent steering units in which each unit includes a waveplate and polarization grating to steer the modulated optical signals. The optical beam steerer may be configured to act on the individual modulated optical signals to induce individual phase delays that produce a phase delay with a linear term, and possibly spherical or aspherical terms, to steer the composite optical signal in which case the optical beam steerer may be implemented, for example, with an optical phase modulator and optical antenna in each optical channel which together form an OPA, a Risley prism or a liquid crystal or MEMs spatial light modulator.