Phased array antenna with optical beamforming device.

In particular, a two-dimensional active antenna array with optical beam forming network for on-board radar and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in the x-band is proposed. Special forms regarding antenna aperture, application and frequency range are possible. A transmit or LO signal in the microwave frequency range and an alternatively additional digital signal modulate in time multiplex a central electro-optical converter. Its optical heterodyne signal is coupled into an optical beamforming network, amplified by at least one optical amplifier and transmitted via optical dividers according to the individual T / R modules. After a conversion of the optical signals by means of an opto-electrical converter takes place after a phase and amplitude weighting of the microwave signals amplification and radiation of the electromagnetic signal by means of radiator elements. Based on this arrangement, another active antenna array is described which utilizes the beamforming network bidirectionally.