Optically Controlled Microwave Multi-beam Spatial Optical Delay Network

Abstract

Disclosed is an optically-controlled microwave multi-beam spatial optical time delay network. Prisms and free spatial time delay are combined, optical signals are inputted, an optical path of each optical signal is changed through repeated total reflection at the position of an interface and changing of physical length so as to realize different degrees of time delay of each signal, and accordingly the spatial optical time delay network is obtained. A device comprises an optical fiber collimator combination, a beam splitter combination, a half-wave plate combination and a prism combination. The network has the advantages of high response speed and control precision, simple and compact structure, low energy loss, easiness in mounting, low cost and the like, and is a key device in an optical phased array laser radar.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a spatial optical time-delay phased array, in particular to an optically controlled microwave multi-beam spatial optical time-delay network, which can quickly realize the optical output of multi-channel phase delay signals, deflect the light beams and change the physical length through prisms, and cause Optical path delay to achieve precise control of signal light phase delay time. It is mainly used for optical phased array lidar. The invention has the advantages of high response speed and control precision, simple and compact structure, low energy loss, easy installation and low cost. Background technique [0002] An optical phased array is an optical device that periodically modulates the optical phase of the wavefront of a beam. Optical phased array (OPA) technology has broad application prospects in military and civilian beam scanning. In addition to laser display, laser communication and laser phototypesetting, the most ...

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Problems solved by technology

[0003] So far, the existing implementation methods of optically controlled phased array radar delay include ordinary optical fiber delay line, dispersion optical fiber delay line, wavelength division multiplexing technology optical fiber delay line, planar waveguide technology optical delay, acousto-optic technology optical delay When the phased array, etc., this kind of delay structure, is simply by changing the physical length to change the optical path of the light to achieve the delay, the delay changes with the change of the path, once the structure is fixed, the obtained delay difference It is also fixed, and the scanning angle is also fixed at the same time. The delay method is single, and it is impossible to achieve a large scanning angle and high scanning accuracy at the same time.

This method uses a large number of components, a complex structure, and a large volume, so it is difficult to avoid large losses and noise

Another commonly used implementation method of optically controlled phased array radar delay is free space segment combined with liquid crystal switch optical delay, Bragg, chirped fiber Bragg grating optical delay, etc. These delay structures are arranged according to certain rules The dispersion element or diffraction structure, changing the wavelength of the light source causes the dispersion element to produce different dispersion delays or light source diffraction to produce different delays, so as to obtain different delay differences. This type of structure has relatively high requirements for devices and manufacturing processes. The production of dispersion fiber and planar waveguide, as well as the engraving, precise positioning, and connection of the grating itself require a high level of technology and operation, so the price of the realized device is relatively high [Please refer to literature 1. Li Dongwen, Jia Chunyan, Ye Lihua , Cui Yiping, True Delay Technology in Optically Controlled Phased Array Radar, Progress in Laser and Optoelectronics, 2006, 43(3), 37-42

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