JP4632444B2 - Optical control array antenna device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is an optical control array antenna apparatus that uses light waves instead of feeder lines, and can simultaneously handle a plurality of beams. For example, it is used in satellite communications, satellite radar, aircraft radar, and optical fiber radio base stations. In particular, the present invention relates to a light-controlled array antenna apparatus that can easily perform multi-beam formation and beam control of a large-scale array antenna for satellite installation or a high-frequency array antenna such as a quasi-microwave band or a millimeter wave band. .

  By using an optical fiber that passes light waves instead of the feeder line for the phased array antenna, processing the radio signal superimposed on the light wave via the optical signal, and radiating the radio signal from the phased array antenna, beam forming, signal A configuration for manipulating the distribution and signal delay time between antenna elements has been reported. The advantage is that it can be reduced in size, weight, loss and bandwidth, and is resistant to electromagnetic interference.

  For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses that a wavelength-tunable laser light source is used to change the wavelength of the wavelength-tunable laser light source by using the difference in dispersion characteristics of optical fibers connected to each antenna radiating element (element). A method for changing the beam characteristics of the formed array antenna is described. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram thereof. As a feature of this method, in order to realize this, it is necessary to connect optical fibers having different dispersion characteristics for each antenna radiating element. In addition, one light source is used for forming one beam, and a large number of light sources are required. In addition, since the dispersion characteristics and length of the optical fiber to be connected are determined in advance for each antenna radiating element, an arbitrary beam cannot be formed even if the wavelength of the tunable laser light source that is a light source is changed. Further, when an arbitrary wavelength is determined, the beam characteristics of the array antenna corresponding to it are determined, and there is a drawback that it cannot be set freely. In the above example, since a two-dimensional planar array antenna is generally used for beam formation, the beam forming circuit tends to be complicated and large.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, two stages of light control circuits comprising a light source, a modulator, a fiber, and a photodiode are prepared, and the high-frequency output of the first-stage light control circuit is used as the high-frequency input of the second-stage light control circuit. Thus, a technique for realizing a one-dimensional multi-beam in the first stage and realizing a two-dimensional multi-beam in the subsequent stage is disclosed. The block diagram is shown in FIG. As described above, two light sources are used in two stages to form one beam. However, in order to realize a one-dimensional multi-beam, only one light source is used for one beam as in the previous example. . Therefore, in order to realize an arbitrary beam characteristic, for example, in order to change the phase, temperature control means for individually controlling the temperature of the wavelength dispersion optical fiber is required.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, an optical signal having a plurality of wavelengths is modulated with a radio signal, and a delay process, which is excitation distribution control of each antenna element, is applied to the modulated light waves having a plurality of wavelengths as they are. The block diagram is shown in FIGS. The optical signal whose excitation distribution is controlled is converted into an electric signal, and the signal is distributed to each radiator. As a feature in this case, since a plurality of light sources are used for forming one beam, the degree of freedom of beam formation is increased. However, there is a drawback in that an optical control phase shift circuit represented by an optical delay circuit or the like is required for the number of antenna radiating elements. When a large-scale phased array antenna is configured, the influence of the size and weight of the phase shift circuit group for the number of radiating elements on the entire system cannot be ignored.

  In Non-Patent Document 2, a plurality of wavelength tunable light sources are used for forming one beam, and a single chirped fiber grating is used as an optical delay line to perform beam forming in common at a plurality of different wavelengths. ing. The block diagram is shown in FIG. Although a single-beam phased array is realized, a method for forming a multi-beam is not described. One chirped fiber grating is used as an optical delay line at multiple wavelengths, but an optical fiber with chromatic dispersion is not used.

  The fiber grating can select a wavelength by generating a Bragg reflection with respect to the guided light by writing a refractive index change with a half-wavelength period in the core of the fiber. The selected wavelength is determined by the period of the grating and functions as a wavelength selection filter. Among these, the chirped fiber grating is a kind of fiber grating designed so that the pitch of the grating varies depending on the location, and is designed so that the reflected location varies depending on the wavelength. The fiber grating can arbitrarily design the reflection point of the wavelength, but has a filter characteristic and generally has a narrow band. Therefore, when beam forming is performed using a large number of light sources having different wavelengths, it is difficult to design so as to satisfy desired delay characteristics for all wavelengths.

  However, as used in the embodiments described below, an optical fiber that is a simple transmission line is far superior in terms of broadband characteristics. In addition, the fiber grating is difficult to design in terms of transmission waveform deterioration and polarization dependency, and the fiber is easier to design and more practical.

  Non-Patent Document 3 includes a multi-wavelength light source, a signal control unit such as an optical modulator, an optical transmission line, a WDM filter, a light receiving unit, and an RF modulation unit, and controls the beam angle by controlling the wavelength interval. The beam forming technique to be performed has been reported. In this report, the delay time given to light of each wavelength is adjusted by propagating light having different wavelengths through optical fibers having chromatic dispersion.

  In Non-Patent Document 3, in order to control the beam angle, a multi-wavelength light source is modulated and then passed through an optical fiber having chromatic dispersion, thereby giving a different delay time for each wavelength to the modulated light. Each wavelength is demultiplexed, and the demultiplexed light is photoelectrically converted and supplied to the array antenna. The radio wave radiated from the array antenna has directivity in one direction.

  In Patent Document 3, a plurality of light sources are used for forming one beam, and the number of circuits for phase control is reduced, so that the entire antenna system can be reduced in size and weight and simplified. FIG. 5 shows a block diagram thereof. For the N-bit phase shifter using the optical delay line optical path, a configuration is adopted in which the path is switched by the optical switch matrix for each wavelength and the phase shift amount is assigned.

  In this system, each optical delay line can be shared by different wavelengths. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the number of phase shifters in the phase control circuit by a fraction of the wavelength multiplexing number. However, since each optical delay line is shared by different wavelengths, it is necessary to align the length with an accuracy of about 1/10 of the quantization bit of the phase shifter after the optical switch matrix. In particular, it becomes more difficult to adjust the optical path length of the optical switch matrix with high accuracy as the frequency of a high frequency wave such as a microwave or a millimeter wave increases. In addition, there is a drawback that it becomes more difficult as the number of antenna elements and the number of beams increases.

  As a specific example, the microwave frequency is 20 GHz. If the phase shifter is 3 bits, the minimum phase shift change amount is π / 4 = 45 °. Consider an optical fiber refractive index of 1.46 at a wavelength of 1.55 μm. The fact that the accuracy of about 1/10 of the quantization bit is necessary means that each wiring must be made equal in length within 128 μm. Further, if the phase shifter is 4 bits in the case of a millimeter wave band frequency of 40 GHz, it is necessary to make the length equal to 32 μm.

JP 2004-23400 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-215048 Japanese Patent No. 3564077

MY Frankel and RD Esman, "True Time-Delay Fiber-Optic Control of an Ultrawideband Array Transmitter / Receiver with Multibeam Capability," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol.43, no.9, pp.2387-2394, Sept 1995. JL Corral, J. Marti, S. Regidor, JM Fuster, R. Laming and MJ Cole, "Continuously Variable True Time-Delay Optical Feeder for Phased-Array Antenna Employing Chirped Fiber Gratings," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol .45, no.8, pp.1531-1536, Aug. 1997. Tadokoro, Taniguchi, Sakurai, Kumozaki, "Optical Beam Forming with 60GHz-ROF System", pp.330, C-14-4, 2005 IEICE Electronics Society Conference

  In an optical control array antenna that uses a light wave instead of a feeder line, the number of components is reduced while ensuring freedom of beam formation, and adjustment is facilitated.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of light sources are used for forming one beam to secure the degree of freedom of beam formation, and at the same time, the number of phase shifters to be used is reduced, and equalization is not necessary or easy. Further, a portion having a matrix structure for switching the optical path can be connected by an equal length line.

  As a result, it is possible to realize a light control array antenna whose configuration is not complicated even when the number of antenna radiating elements and the number of beams are increased. Further, it is possible to realize an optical control array antenna whose configuration is not complicated even when the high frequency becomes a higher frequency such as a millimeter wave.

  It is known that the wavefront of a phased array antenna is determined by the signal delay time difference at the position of the antenna element, and the beam direction is perpendicular to the wavefront. In adjusting the phase of a high-frequency signal applied to the antenna element, the present invention superimposes the high-frequency signal on a light wave and delays the high-frequency signal through a delay due to the light wave using an optical delay line. It is. Further, the plurality of high frequency signals are applied to the antenna element so that different high frequency signals can be radiated in the respective beam directions.

To that end, in the present invention,
An array antenna with multiple elements;
A phase difference generating means for supplying a plurality of high-frequency signals with a phase difference for determining the beam direction of the array antenna to each of the elements, and setting a plurality of beam directions, and an array antenna apparatus comprising:
A plurality of high-frequency signal supply means corresponding to a plurality of beam directions;
Providing optical carrier waves of different wavelengths corresponding to the number of the elements,
The means for supplying the high-frequency signal is to modulate an optical carrier wave with a high-frequency signal, photoelectrically convert the modulated optical signal, and supply a high-frequency signal,
The means for generating the phase difference generates the phase difference by propagating an optical signal obtained by modulating an optical carrier wave having a different wavelength with a high frequency signal through an optical fiber having dispersion characteristics.

Further, the present invention provides a light source unit that outputs a single light wave having a plurality of spectral lines having different wavelengths, or combines a plurality of light waves each having a plurality of spectral lines having different wavelengths. When,
A plurality of modulated light generating units comprising a modulator for modulating light waves from the light source unit;
A multiplexer that multiplexes light waves from the plurality of modulated light generating units;
A delay means having wavelength dispersion that gives a wavelength-dependent delay time through the light wave from the multiplexer;
A demultiplexer for demultiplexing the light wave from the delay means for each spectrum;
A multiplexer that receives the output of the demultiplexer and selects and multiplexes the light from different modulated light generation units so as to be one each, so that the selection is different. A multiplexing unit including a plurality of configured multiplexers;
A photoelectric conversion unit comprising a plurality of photoelectric converters for converting light waves from the respective multiplexers of the multiplexing unit;
An array antenna, and
Each photoelectric converter of the photoelectric conversion unit is connected in series to a serial connection of a delay element having a different delay time characteristic and the multiplexer,
An electric signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna .

  Further, the delay time of each delay element is a delay time that compensates for the delay time difference of each light wave and makes the delay time difference equal to or less than the minimum period of the modulation signal applied to the modulator, This is a delay time obtained by adding a common constant to an integral multiple of the delay time.

The present invention also provides (1) outputting a single light wave having a plurality of spectral lines having different wavelengths or combining a plurality of light waves having a plurality of light lines having different wavelength lines. A plurality of modulated light generating units comprising: a light source unit that modulates a light wave from the light source unit; and (2) providing a wavelength-dependent delay time through the light wave from the modulated light generating unit. A delay unit having wavelength dispersion; and (3) a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the light wave from the delay unit for each spectrum line, the modulated light generating unit, the delay unit, and the demultiplexer. A plurality of modulated light generating means each provided;
A connection switching unit;
A multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that combine the light waves selected by the connection switching unit;
A photoelectric conversion unit including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from the respective multiplexers;
An array antenna, and
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The connection switching unit is configured to connect each output of the duplexer to each of the multiplexers so that one output terminal is directed to one input terminal.
An electric signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna .

Alternatively, (1) a light source unit that outputs a single light wave having a plurality of spectral lines having different wavelengths, or multiplexes and outputs a plurality of light waves having a plurality of spectral lines having different wavelengths. And a modulator that modulates the light wave from the light source unit, a plurality of modulated light generation units for the modulated light generation unit, and (2) a wavelength-dependent delay time through the light waves from the modulated light generation unit A delay unit having chromatic dispersion, and (3) a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the light wave from the delay unit for each spectrum line, the modulated light generating unit, the delay unit, and the demultiplexer, A plurality of modulated light generating means each comprising:
A connection switching unit;
A delay unit having a plurality of delay elements for giving a delay time to each light wave from the connection switching unit;
A multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that combine the light waves from the respective delay units;
A photoelectric conversion unit including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from the multiplexing unit;
An array antenna, and
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The connection switching unit is configured to connect each output of the duplexer to each of the multiplexers so that one output terminal is directed to one input terminal.
An electric signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna .

Further, (1) a light source unit for a plurality of light waves having spectral lines of a plurality of different wavelengths become different or multiple sources of spectral lines in the wavelength output light waves of the plurality have been single multiplexed output A modulator that modulates a light wave from the light source unit, a plurality of modulated light generation units for the modulated light generation unit, and (2) a delay time depending on the wavelength is provided through the light waves from the modulated light generation unit The modulated light generating unit described above with respect to a delay means such as an optical fiber having a wavelength dispersion or an optical fiber grating, and (3) a demultiplexer for demultiplexing a light wave from the delay means for each spectral line. A plurality of modulated light generating means each including a delay means and a duplexer;
A first connection switching unit;
A first multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that select and multiplex light waves from the first connection switching unit;
A plurality of optical fibers that give a delay time to the light wave from the multiplexer;
A plurality of demultiplexers for demultiplexing the light wave from the delay means so as to include any of the spectral lines;
A second connection switching unit;
A second multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that select and multiplex light waves from the second connection switching unit;
A photoelectric conversion unit including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from the second multiplexing unit;
An array antenna, and
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The number of optical fibers is the number obtained by adding 1 to the number of array antennas and the number of array antennas.
The first connection switching unit and the second connection switching unit are different in delay time from the modulation unit to the output of the photoelectric conversion unit with respect to each duplexer of the modulated light generation unit. Connecting the respective outputs of the duplexers to the respective multiplexers of the second multiplexer in a path in which the maximum value of is less than the minimum value of the period of the modulation signal,
An electric signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna.

  A plurality of the above-described light control array antenna devices can be used, and a plurality of array antennas can be combined to form an array antenna having a larger number of elements.

Also in reception, the types of wavelengths of the light source can be reduced. To this end, (1) a single light wave having a plurality of spectral lines having different wavelengths is output, or a plurality of light waves composed of a plurality of light sources and having spectral lines having different wavelengths are combined and output. A plurality of modulated light generating units comprising: a light source unit; and a modulator that modulates a light wave from the light source unit that is input from an element of an array antenna with a signal received from a plurality of directions; and (2) the modulation A delay means having wavelength dispersion that gives a wavelength-dependent delay time through the light wave from the light generation unit; and (3) a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the light wave from the delay means for each spectral line. A plurality of modulated light generating units each including a modulated light generating unit, a delay unit, and a duplexer;
A connection switching unit;
A multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that combine the light waves selected by the connection switching unit;
A photoelectric conversion unit including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from each multiplexer; and
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The connection switching unit is configured to connect each output of the duplexer to each of the multiplexers so that one output terminal is directed to one input terminal.
For the electrical signals from a plurality of the elements of the array antenna applied to any one of the plurality of photoelectric converters, the phase of the signal of the beam in a specific direction selected from the beams in the plurality of directions is The delay time by the above delay means is set so that the strength is enhanced in alignment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, devices having the same function or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals unless there is a special reason.

  FIG. 15 schematically shows the principle in the case of emitting one beam of radio waves from an array antenna as an example of the present invention. Light waves from light sources having different wavelengths from 1 to 5 are combined by a multiplexer, and modulated by a microwave to be transmitted by a modulator. The modulated light thus modulated undergoes a delay corresponding to the wavelength when passing through the optical fiber. For this reason, when it is separated into light waves of respective wavelengths by a demultiplexer and converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric converter (PD), a microwave with a delay difference is obtained. When this microwave is fed to the array antenna, a beam having directivity corresponding to the delay difference is obtained. For example, in FIG. 15, when the delay of wavelength 1 is larger than the delay of wavelength 5, the microwave obtained from the light wave of wavelength 5 is radiated first, so that beam A is obtained.

  As described above, the example shown in FIG. 15 realizes radiation of one beam. However, in the present invention, as will be described below, radio waves of a plurality of beams are radiated from one array antenna, and radio waves having different information are radiated.

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7 with 5 beams and FIG. 8 with 4 beams. In this light control array antenna device, a light source that outputs a single light wave having spectral lines of different wavelengths or a light source that is composed of a plurality of light sources and combines a plurality of light waves having spectral lines of different wavelengths. A unit 1, a modulated light generation unit 2 comprising the light source unit 1 and an optical modulator, a multiplexer 3, an optical fiber 4 having wavelength dispersion, a wavelength demultiplexer 5, and a plurality of multiplexers. Including a multiplexing unit 6, a photoelectric conversion unit 7 including a plurality of photoelectric converters, and an array antenna 8 composed of a plurality of elements,
The light wave from the light source unit 1 is modulated with a high-frequency signal using an optical modulator, and the modulated optical signal is combined and then passed through an optical fiber having chromatic dispersion to give a delay time depending on the wavelength. The light waves that have passed through the optical fiber are demultiplexed for each of the above spectrums, and the demultiplexed light waves of the respective wavelengths are selected from the different modulated light generation units so as to become one light wave, respectively, and combined. The combined light waves are photoelectrically converted, and an electric signal obtained by the photoelectric conversion is applied to each element of the array antenna 8. As an alternative to the above optical fiber having chromatic dispersion, an optical fiber grating having chromatic dispersion can be used.

  In order to solve the conventional drawbacks, it is necessary to adopt an optical delay line having a simple structure that can be shared by a plurality of wavelengths and at the same time does not require complicated equal length as a phase shifter. Also, even if an equalization error occurs, a means for correcting it is necessary. In the present invention, a configuration is used in which phase control is performed by changing and adjusting the wavelengths of a plurality of input light sources by sharing a single optical fiber having chromatic dispersion as an optical delay line. Since an optical fiber having a single wavelength dispersion is simply used, no complicated equal length is required. In addition, since the wavelength of the wavelength tunable light source can be finely adjusted individually, a delay difference error caused by non-equal length can be corrected. In addition, by changing the wavelength, a plurality of antenna beam directions and antenna patterns can be changed independently.

  In general, multiplexing from several hundred to a maximum of 1000 wavelengths can be performed with a single-core optical fiber. This optical fiber is a transmission line and the optical fiber itself can be used as a phase shifter. In the preceding example, the necessary excitation phase distribution is given by the difference in the length of the wavelength dispersion optical fiber for each antenna radiating element (element). However, even if the length of the optical fiber is not adjusted, phase control can be realized by finely adjusting the wavelength of each input light source using a single optical fiber having chromatic dispersion.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of a 5 element × 5 beam array antenna, and FIG. 8 shows the configuration of a 5 element × 4 beam optical control array antenna. They are also a source unit 1 to a plurality of light waves having spectral lines of a plurality of different wavelengths consists or a plurality of light sources to output a lightwave singular having spectral lines of different wavelengths multiplexed and output A plurality of modulated light generating units 2 comprising modulators for modulating light waves from the light source unit;
A multiplexer 3 for multiplexing light waves from the plurality of modulated light generating units;
An optical fiber 4 with chromatic dispersion that provides a wavelength-dependent delay time through the light wave from the multiplexer;
A demultiplexer 5 for demultiplexing a light wave from the optical fiber for each spectrum;
A plurality of multiplexers configured to select different ones for the multiplexers that select and combine one output from different modulated light generation units with respect to the output of the duplexer. A multiplexing unit 6 including:
A photoelectric conversion unit 7 comprising a plurality of photoelectric converters for converting light waves from respective multiplexers of the multiplexing unit;
An array antenna 8;
An electric signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna. Although an optical fiber grating can be used in place of the optical fiber 4 described above, in general, an optical fiber is difficult to take a large delay time compared to an optical fiber grating, but has a wide band.

  Here, description will be made with reference to FIG. A total of 5 elements × 5 beams = 25 wavelength variable light sources are used. Five light sources required for each beam are combined into one by a multiplexer, and modulated using a high frequency transmitted by the beam. Wavelengths 1 to 5 are modulated by microwave A for beam A. The 25 wavelengths modulated for the five beams are combined into one and enter the dispersion optical fiber. By appropriately selecting the chromatic dispersion value and the fiber length of the fiber, each wavelength receives an appropriate value of delay.

  For example, if the microwave frequency is 20 GHz, the delay amount at a half wavelength of 180 degrees is 25 psec. The wavelengths of the five light sources are set at 0.8 nm intervals. For example, it is set to 1559.79 nm, 1558.98 nm, 1558.17 nm, 1557.36 nm, 1556.56 nm. At this time, if the dispersion value of the single mode optical fiber is 20 psec / nm / km, the dispersion amount is 20 psec / nm with a length of 1 km. If adjacent light sources have different wavelengths of 0.8 nm, the amount of dispersion will differ by 16 psec, resulting in a difference of 115 degrees in the amount of phase shift. At this time, for example, if the light source of 1558.98 nm is adjusted by changing the wavelength in the range of ± 0.8 nm, the phase shift amount of ± 115 degrees can be adjusted.

  After adjusting the delay amounts of all the wavelengths required by one optical fiber, the wavelength is demultiplexed by the demultiplexer, and then the necessary wavelength group for each antenna radiating element is obtained by each multiplexer. Collected. The wavelength groups collected in one antenna radiating element are selected and combined from the wavelength groups necessary for forming each beam. The combined wavelength group becomes a high frequency output in the photoelectric conversion unit (PD) and is fed to the antenna radiating element.

  In this method, the delay amount of all the wavelengths of 5 elements × 5 beams = 25 necessary for multi-beam formation can be realized by one optical fiber. Further, the branching filter and the synthesizer other than the optical fiber having the chromatic dispersion have a symmetric configuration with respect to all wavelengths, so that the equal length can be easily realized. Even if an equalization error occurs, the amount of phase shift can be adjusted by adjusting the wavelength of the light source.

  In the case of using the above-described wavelength light source with a 0.8 nm interval and an optical fiber 1 km with a dispersion value of 20 psec / nm / km, if the microwave frequency is 20 GHz and the phase shifter is 3 bits, the minimum phase shift amount is π / 4. Since = 45 °, the phase accuracy of 1/10 of the quantization bit is 4.5 °. At this time, for example, it is assumed that a DFB laser module with an interval of 50 GHz (0.4 nm) or 25 GHz (0.2 nm) for high-density wavelength division multiplexing is used as the wavelength variable light source. In the laser module, the wavelength is stabilized in order to suppress crosstalk between adjacent optical signals. A stability of ± 20 pm or less is required for a 50 GHz-interval DWDM light source, and a stability of ± 10 pm or less is required for a 25 GHz-interval DWDM. At this time, the delay amounts are 20 psec / nm × ± 20 pm = ± 0.4 psec and 20 psec / nm × ± 10 pm = ± 0.2 psec, and the corresponding phase amounts are ± 2.9 ° and ± 1.4 °. This value satisfies 4.5 ° which is 1/10 of the phase accuracy of the quantized bit, and the ITU grid for high-density wavelength division multiplexing 50 GHz and 25 GHz intervals without performing fine control by current and temperature. It can be seen that a phase accuracy of 1/10 of the quantization bit can be realized by preparing a DFB laser module. The DFB laser module described above is known to be capable of fine wavelength control with 1 pm accuracy by further controlling the drive current and temperature. Since the wavelength of the light source can be finely adjusted individually, a delay difference error caused by non-equal length can be easily corrected.

  In FIG. 7 above, 5 elements × 5 beams = 25 different wavelengths are required. Although the wavelength interval is set to 0.8 nm, the dispersion amount in the 1-km length of the single-mode optical fiber is 20 psec / nm, so that a maximum delay difference of 400 psec occurs between the wavelengths. Since the required number of wavelengths and the delay difference increase as the number of antenna radiating elements and the number of beams increase, a configuration that reduces the required number of wavelengths is desired.

On the other hand, in FIG. 9, it is set as the structure which can use repeatedly the wavelength group required for every beam. This is (1) a light source unit 1 to a plurality of light waves having spectral lines of a plurality of different wavelengths become different or multiple light sources to output a lightwave singular having spectral line wavelength combiner and output A modulator that modulates a light wave from the light source unit, a plurality of modulated light generation units for the modulated light generation unit 2, and (2) a delay time depending on the wavelength through the light waves from the modulated light generation unit An optical fiber 9 having chromatic dispersion, and (3) a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the light wave from the optical fiber for each spectral line, the modulated light generating unit, the optical fiber, and the demultiplexer; A plurality of modulated light generating means 10 each comprising:
A connection switching unit 11;
A multiplexing unit 6 including a plurality of multiplexers for selecting and multiplexing light waves from the connection switching unit;
A photoelectric conversion unit 7 including a plurality of photoelectric converters for converting light waves from the respective multiplexers;
An array antenna 8;
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the light source units 1 have the same wavelength,
The connection switching unit is configured to connect each of the duplexers so that the output of the duplexer is directed to each of the multiplexers.
An electric signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna. Although an optical fiber grating can be used as a delay element instead of the optical fiber 9 described above, in general, an optical fiber has a wide bandwidth although it is difficult to take a delay time larger than that of an optical fiber grating.

  An optical control array antenna of 5 elements × 5 beams requires 25 wavelength tunable light sources, but since 5 light sources are required for forming one beam, by combining each required wavelength group for each beam, The same wavelength can be used repeatedly for each beam. In the example of FIG. 9, wavelengths 1 to 5 are repeatedly used. For this reason, setting of the delay amount using an optical fiber having chromatic dispersion must be performed for each beam, and an optical fiber having chromatic dispersion corresponding to the number of beams is required. The wavelength group in which the delay amount is set for each beam is then demultiplexed by the demultiplexer, and is multiplexed by the multiplexer to the wavelength group corresponding to each antenna radiating element. In the multiplexer, the wavelengths from each beam are selected and combined one by one so that they do not have the same wavelength. The terminals of the duplexer group and the multiplexer group have a one-to-one correspondence. For the connection between both terminals, it is possible to easily make the length equal by using a short length of the same length optical fiber or optical waveguide.

  In FIG. 9 of the above embodiment, the light sources are grouped for each beam and the same wavelength is reused. However, the light sources can be grouped for each antenna radiating element group. FIG. 10 shows an example, and for example, it is possible to collect light sources for each row of antenna radiating elements of a two-dimensional array antenna. FIG. 10 shows an example in which 5 beams are formed by a 2 × 2 two-dimensional planar array antenna of 2 elements × 2 elements. Since one row consists of two elements, two light source elements are combined by a multiplexer, subjected to high frequency modulation for each beam, further combined by a multiplexer, and passed through an optical fiber having chromatic dispersion, so that it corresponds to one antenna radiating element. The required amount of delay can be obtained.

  A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiment of FIG. 7 described above, a maximum delay difference of 400 psec occurs between wavelengths. Further, even if a configuration such as dividing an optical fiber having wavelength dispersion used for each beam as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is not used, a delay of an appropriate length is set for each antenna radiating element after setting a delay amount for each wavelength. The amount of delay can be reduced by adding an adjustment fiber that operates as an element. In FIG. 11, adjustment fibers operating as delay elements are inserted between the multiplexer and the photoelectric converter (PD), respectively. Obviously, an optical delay element may be inserted before the photoelectric converter, or an electrical delay element may be inserted after the photoelectric converter. FIG. 12 shows changes in the delay amount at that time. By inserting an adjustment fiber that operates as a delay element for each antenna radiating element, the delay difference can be reduced to a delay difference in the wavelength group for each antenna radiating element, and can be reduced to one period (2π) or less. . Furthermore, the wavefront to be radiated can be changed by an operation of one cycle or less, and the beam direction can be changed using this. In addition, even when only a reverse dispersion fiber is provided, a forward dispersion delay device can be equivalently realized.

A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the delay difference in the wavelength group for each antenna radiating element is also compensated. This optical control array antenna device (1) outputs a single light wave having spectral lines of different wavelengths or combines a plurality of light waves composed of a plurality of light sources and having spectral lines of different wavelengths. A plurality of modulated light generation units with respect to a modulated light generation unit 2 comprising: a light source unit 1 that outputs; a modulator that modulates a light wave from the light source unit; and (2) a wavelength through the light wave from the modulated light generation unit. The modulated light generating unit described above with respect to the optical fiber 9 having chromatic dispersion that gives a delay time depending on the above, and (3) a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the light wave from the optical fiber for each spectral line. A plurality of modulated light generating means 10 each comprising: an optical fiber; and a duplexer;
A connection switching unit 15;
A delay unit 14 having a plurality of delay elements for giving a delay time to each light wave from the connection switching unit;
A multiplexing unit 6 including a plurality of multiplexers that combine the light waves from the respective delay units;
A photoelectric conversion unit 7 including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from the multiplexing unit;
An array antenna 8;
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The connection switching unit is configured to connect each of the duplexers so that the output of the duplexer is directed to each of the multiplexers.
An electric signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna. An optical fiber grating can be used as an element that gives a wavelength-dependent delay time instead of the optical fiber 9 described above. However, in general, an optical fiber is difficult to have a larger delay time than an optical fiber grating. Is broadband.

  Although the overall delay difference can be reduced by using an optical fiber having chromatic dispersion for each beam as shown in FIG. 9 in the above embodiment, the delay difference in the wavelength group for each antenna radiating element still remains. In order to compensate for this, an adjustment fiber operating as a delay element is inserted between the terminals of the duplexer group and the multiplexer group to adjust the delay difference for each wavelength.

A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This optical control array antenna device (1) outputs a single light wave having spectral lines of different wavelengths or combines a plurality of light waves composed of a plurality of light sources and having spectral lines of different wavelengths. A plurality of modulated light generation units with respect to a modulated light generation unit 2 comprising: (2) a modulator that modulates a light wave from the light source unit; and (3) from the modulated light generation unit. For a duplexer that demultiplexes the light wave for each spectral line, a plurality of modulated light generation means 10 each including the modulated light generation unit and the duplexer,
A first connection switching unit 16;
A first multiplexer 17 including a plurality of multiplexers that select and multiplex light waves from the first connection switching unit;
A delay unit 18 including a plurality of optical fibers that give a delay time to the light wave from the multiplexer;
A demultiplexing unit 19 including a plurality of wavelength demultiplexers for demultiplexing the light wave from the optical fiber so as to include any of the spectral lines;
A second connection switching unit 20;
A second multiplexing unit 6 including a plurality of multiplexers that select and multiplex light waves from the second connection switching unit;
A photoelectric conversion unit 7 including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from the second multiplexing unit;
An array antenna 8;
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The number of optical fibers is the number obtained by adding 1 to the number of array antennas and the number of array antennas.
The first connection switching unit and the second connection switching unit are different in delay time from the modulation unit to the output of the photoelectric conversion unit with respect to each duplexer of the modulated light generation unit. Connecting the respective outputs of the duplexers to the respective multiplexers of the second multiplexer in a path in which the maximum value of is less than the minimum value of the period of the modulation signal,
An electric signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna. An optical fiber grating can be used as an element that gives a delay time depending on the wavelength, instead of the optical fiber of the delay unit 18 described above. In general, an optical fiber has a longer delay time than an optical fiber grating. It is difficult to take a large amount, but it is a wide band.

  If an adjustment fiber that operates as a delay element is connected separately as shown in FIG. 13 of the above-described embodiment, the configuration becomes complicated and there is a possibility that the equal length may be affected. On the other hand, in FIG. 14 of the above embodiment, the length of the optical fiber having chromatic dispersion after combining the wavelengths for each beam is appropriately changed and adjusted, and a plurality of fibers are prepared by preparing a plurality of them. The delay difference is adjusted.

  FIG. 14 shows the configuration of an array antenna of 5 elements × 4 beams. Similar to the previous embodiment, the same wavelength can be repeatedly used for each beam by combining the necessary wavelength groups for each beam. Wavelengths 1 to 5 are shared for each beam. A wavelength group for each beam modulated at a high frequency is demultiplexed by a demultiplexer, and then input to an optical fiber having a plurality of chromatic dispersions in consideration of a delay difference depending on an optical fiber length. At this time, (number of beams + number of antenna radiating elements−1) optical fibers having wavelength dispersion are prepared. In FIG. 14, since the number of beams is four and the number of antenna radiating elements is five, the number of optical fibers having chromatic dispersion is eight. The optical fibers 1 to 8 having chromatic dispersion have a short length or a long length so that the delay amount is different by a certain amount. At this time, the wavelengths 1 to 5 of the beam A are assigned to five optical fibers having chromatic dispersion in order from the longest or shortest wavelength. Next, the wavelengths 1 to 5 of the beam B are assigned to five optical fibers having chromatic dispersion in order from the second longest or shortest wavelength. This is repeated up to beam D. In the last beam D, the wavelength 5 is assigned to the optical fiber having the shortest or longest chromatic dispersion. An optical fiber grating can be used instead of the dispersion optical fiber.

  Next, the wavelengths that have passed through the respective optical fibers having chromatic dispersion are demultiplexed into the respective wavelengths by the demultiplexers. Thereafter, the wavelengths 1 to 5 of the beam A are assigned to the five antenna radiating elements one wavelength at a time. Similarly, for the beams B, C, and D, one wavelength is assigned to each of the five antenna radiating elements. At this time, the multiplexer and the demultiplexer are connected so that the same wavelength from each beam does not overlap the same antenna radiating element.

  FIG. 16 shows the relationship between the dispersion amount of the optical fiber having each wavelength dispersion and the dispersion optical fiber used for the wavelengths 1 to 5 for each beam in the embodiment of FIG. Basically, the delay characteristic of the optical fiber and the wavelength of the optical wave are set so that the delay amount of the optical wave comes to the intersection of the wavefront of the beam to be set and the characteristic (wavelength-delay amount) of each optical fiber. Here, the same wavelength is used for each beam, but it is desirable to use different light sources having the same wavelength so that the wavelength can be varied independently for each beam. In the figure, it can be seen that the delay amounts having the same wavelengths 1 to 5 used for each beam are aligned on the wavefront of the beam.

FIG. 17 shows a light control array antenna device applied to the receiving system. It includes a light source unit 1 to a plurality of light waves having spectral lines of a plurality of different wavelengths consists or a plurality of light sources to output a lightwave singular having a plurality of spectral lines of different wavelengths multiplexed and outputted, Modulators for modulating light waves from the light source unit with signals received from beams from a plurality of directions inputted from elements of an array antenna, a plurality of modulated light generation units 2, and a plurality of modulated light generation units An optical fiber or optical fiber grating 4 having wavelength dispersion that gives a wavelength-dependent delay time through the optical wave from the optical multiplexer, and the optical wave from the optical fiber. And a demultiplexer 19 for demultiplexing each spectrum, and one light wave from each of the different modulated light generation units in response to the output of the demultiplexer. For the multiplexers to be selected and combined, a multiplexer 6 including a plurality of multiplexers configured to be different from each other, and light waves from the respective multiplexers of the multiplexer And a photoelectric conversion unit 7 including a plurality of photoelectric converters to be converted. An optical fiber grating can be used in place of the above optical fiber having wavelength dispersion.

  In the example of FIG. 17, the configuration of the reception system of the light control array antenna of 3 elements × 5 beams is shown. Similar to the transmission system, a total of 3 elements × 5 beams = 15 wavelength variable light sources are used. The high frequency signals received by the respective antenna radiating elements (elements) are respectively input to the corresponding optical modulators. At this time, the optical input signal of each optical modulator is a light wave in which five different wavelengths are multiplexed by a multiplexer, and these correspond to different wavelengths for each antenna radiating element. The optical wave modulated by the high-frequency signal is an optical signal multiplexed for each antenna radiating element, but after being multiplexed by a multiplexer that multiplexes the optical waves from all antenna radiating elements, A dispersion optical fiber is provided to give a different delay time for each optical signal. At this time, by appropriately selecting the chromatic dispersion value of the fiber and the fiber length or optical path length, it is possible to cause the optical signals of different wavelengths to receive a delay of a value suitable for reception for each beam. All the wavelengths whose delays are adjusted are input to the demultiplexer as optical fiber outputs, demultiplexed into different wavelengths, and then the corresponding wavelengths for each beam are multiplexed in each multiplexer to be PD. It is detected by (photoelectric converter). Here, “appropriately select the chromatic dispersion value of the fiber and the fiber length or the optical path length” means that, for example, the PDs that output the beam A are supplied with light waves of wavelengths 1, 6, and 11, respectively. However, the fiber length or the optical path length is selected so that the phases of the high-frequency signals superimposed on these light waves are matched. By matching these phases, the phases of the other beams are shifted and have a smaller amplitude than that of the beam A, so that only the signal of the beam A can be selected. Other beam signals can be selected in the same manner.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of a receiving light control array antenna that repeatedly uses a necessary wavelength group for each beam for each antenna receiving element. This is (1) a different wavelength multiple light waves multiplexed by the light source unit to output the spectral lines with the spectral lines of a plurality of different wavelengths consists or a plurality of light sources to output a lightwave plurality has been singular 1 and a modulator that modulates light waves from the light source unit with signals received from a plurality of directions input from an element of an array antenna, and a plurality of modulated light generating units, and (2) the modulation A wavelength-dispersed optical fiber or optical fiber grating 4 that gives a wavelength-dependent delay time through the light wave from the light generation unit; and (3) a component that divides the light wave from the optical fiber for each spectral line. For the waver, a plurality of modulated light generating means 10 each including the modulated light generating unit, the optical fiber, and the duplexer, and the connection switching unit 1 A multiplexing unit 6 including a plurality of multiplexers that combine the light waves selected by the connection switching unit, and a photoelectric conversion unit 7 including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert the light waves from the respective multiplexers; , Are provided. An optical fiber grating can be used in place of the above optical fiber having wavelength dispersion.

  FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the reception system of the light control array antenna of 3 elements × 5 beams. Single-wavelength light waves from the 15 wavelength-tunable light sources are multiplexed by 5 wavelength multiplexers and input to the respective optical modulators. At this time, three sets of five wavelengths having the same combination of wavelengths are modulated with the high-frequency signals received by the respective antenna receiving elements using the corresponding optical modulators. Thereafter, the amount of delay is adjusted according to the wavelength of the light wave by the dispersion optical fiber. This adjustment is performed by adjusting the characteristics of the dispersion optical fiber and the wavelength of each light wave. After each set of light is demultiplexed by a demultiplexer, the optical path is switched by a connection switching unit so that each wave is distributed to a multiplexer connected to each PD, and necessary for each received beam. Wavelengths are combined and detected by PD.

  Here, when the wavelength of the light wave of wavelength 1, 2, or 3 modulated by the beam A is set to the wavelength 1A, 2A, 3A, the light wave having these wavelengths is selected for any multiplexer. The combined light wave that is the output is photoelectrically converted by the PD. By this photoelectric conversion, superposition of signals of the beam A having different phases is obtained, so that the delay time is adjusted by changing the wavelength of the light waves 1, 2, or 3, and the phases of the beams A are made to coincide with each other. Since the phase is shifted and the amplitude is smaller than that of the beam A, only the signal of the beam A can be selected. Other beam signals can be selected in the same manner.

  FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a light control array antenna apparatus shared for transmission and reception. In this embodiment, an optical fiber, a multiplexer and a duplexer for setting the delay amount are partially shared. The subscript t or r indicates a term related to transmission or reception, respectively. In FIG. 19, the transmission / reception antenna element and the phase of all the beams are set by one optical fiber 4 and the wavelength of the light wave used for each (1t to 15t for transmission, 1r to 15r for reception). In this way, a compact circuit can be realized by sharing an optical circuit portion such as an optical fiber, a multiplexer, and a duplexer.

  In the above-described embodiment, an optical fiber is taken as an example of an optical fiber having chromatic dispersion for setting a delay amount. In this case, it is desirable that a single mode be used. In particular, the fiber length can be shortened by using an optical fiber having high wavelength dispersion. For example, a photonic crystal fiber can be used as an optical fiber having high wavelength dispersion.

  In the present invention, as described above, a plurality of wavelength tunable light sources are used for forming one beam to ensure the degree of freedom of beam formation, and at the same time, one dispersion optical fiber is shared by a plurality of different wavelengths as an optical delay line. The structure is designed to reduce the number of phase shifters and eliminate the need for equal length. In addition, the connection switching unit having a matrix structure can be connected by an equal length line. Further, by making the light source variable in wavelength and finely adjusting the wavelength, it is possible to correct a phase error in the case where the equalization is incomplete. When the wavelength of the light source is changed significantly, the position of the output end of the duplexer is also changed as appropriate.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to a transmission device or a reception device, but when both devices are provided alternately, it is not necessary to prepare a light source unit for each, and a common light source unit is used. The light wave branched from can be used. In this case, the equalization by finely adjusting the wavelength of the wavelength tunable light source is performed by alternately setting the fine adjustment.

It is a block diagram which shows the prior art example of a nonpatent literature 1. It is a block diagram which shows the prior art example of patent document 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the prior art example of patent document 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the prior art example of patent document 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the prior art example of patent document 3. It is a block diagram which shows the prior art example of a nonpatent literature 2. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 4th Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 4th Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 5th Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 6th Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram showing the principle in the case of radiating one beam of radio waves as the basis of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the operating point of the 6th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the optical control array antenna Example for reception. It is a figure which shows the optical control array antenna Example for reception which uses a wavelength group repeatedly. It is a figure which shows the Example of the optical control array antenna apparatus shared for transmission / reception.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light source unit 2 Modulated light generation unit 3 Multiplexer 4 Optical fiber 5 Wavelength demultiplexer 6 Multiplexing part 7 Photoelectric conversion part 8 Array antenna 9 Optical fiber 10 Modulated light generation means 11 Connection switching part 12 Wavelength demultiplexer 13 Delay Unit 14 Delay unit 15 Connection switching unit 16 Connection switching unit 17 Multiplexing unit 18 Delay unit 19 Demultiplexing unit 20 Connection switching unit

Claims (7)

A light source unit that outputs a single light wave having a plurality of spectral lines of different wavelengths or a plurality of light waves composed of a plurality of light sources and outputs a plurality of light waves having a plurality of spectral lines of different wavelengths;
A plurality of modulated light generating units comprising a modulator for modulating light waves from the light source unit;
A multiplexer that multiplexes light waves from the plurality of modulated light generating units;
A delay means having wavelength dispersion that gives a wavelength-dependent delay time through the light wave from the multiplexer;
A demultiplexer for demultiplexing the light wave from the delay means for each spectrum;
A multiplexer that receives the output of the demultiplexer and selects and multiplexes the light from different modulated light generation units so as to be one each , so that the selection is different. A multiplexing unit including a plurality of configured multiplexers;
A photoelectric conversion unit comprising a plurality of photoelectric converters for converting light waves from the respective multiplexers of the multiplexing unit;
An array antenna, and
Each photoelectric converter of the photoelectric conversion unit is connected in series to a serial connection of a delay element having a different delay time characteristic and the multiplexer,
An optical control array antenna device, wherein an electrical signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna. The delay time of each delay element is a delay time that compensates for the delay time difference between the respective light waves so that the delay time difference is less than or equal to the minimum period of the modulation signal applied to the modulator. The light control array antenna apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the delay time is a delay time obtained by adding a common constant to an integral multiple of. (1) A light source unit that outputs a single light wave having a plurality of spectral lines of different wavelengths or combines a plurality of light waves composed of a plurality of light sources and having a plurality of spectral lines of different wavelengths; A modulator for modulating a light wave from the light source unit; a plurality of modulated light generating units; and (2) a delay means having wavelength dispersion that gives a delay time depending on the wavelength through the light wave from the modulated light generating unit. And (3) a plurality of modulated light generating means each including the modulated light generating unit, the delay means, and the demultiplexer for the demultiplexer that demultiplexes the light wave from the delay means for each spectral line. When,
A connection switching unit;
A multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that combine the light waves selected by the connection switching unit;
A photoelectric conversion unit including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from the respective multiplexers;
An array antenna, and
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The connection switching unit is configured to connect each output of the duplexer to each of the multiplexers so that one output terminal is directed to one input terminal .
An optical control array antenna device, wherein an electrical signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna. (1) A light source unit that outputs a single light wave having a plurality of spectral lines of different wavelengths or combines a plurality of light waves composed of a plurality of light sources and having a plurality of spectral lines of different wavelengths; A modulator that modulates a light wave from the light source unit, a plurality of modulated light generation units for the modulated light generation unit, and (2) a wavelength that gives a delay time depending on the wavelength through the light wave from the modulated light generation unit Dispersion delay means, and (3) a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the light wave from the delay means for each spectral line, the modulation light generation unit, the delay means, and the demultiplexer, respectively. A plurality of modulated light generating means;
A connection switching unit;
A delay unit having a plurality of delay elements for giving a delay time to each light wave from the connection switching unit;
A multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that combine the light waves from the respective delay units;
A photoelectric conversion unit including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from the multiplexing unit;
An array antenna, and
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The connection switching unit is configured to connect each output of the duplexer to each of the multiplexers so that one output terminal is directed to one input terminal .
An optical control array antenna device, wherein an electrical signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna. (1) A light source unit that outputs a single light wave having a plurality of spectral lines having different wavelengths or combines a plurality of light waves composed of a plurality of light sources and having a plurality of spectral lines having different wavelengths; 2) a modulator that modulates a light wave from the light source unit; a plurality of modulated light generation units for the modulated light generation unit; and (3) a light wave from the modulated light generation unit is divided for each spectrum line. A plurality of modulated light generating means each comprising the modulated light generating unit and the duplexer described above,
A first connection switching unit;
A first multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that select and multiplex light waves from the first connection switching unit;
A plurality of delay means for giving a delay time to the light wave from the multiplexer;
A plurality of demultiplexers for demultiplexing the light wave from the delay means so as to include any of the spectral lines;
A second connection switching unit;
A second multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that select and multiplex light waves from the second connection switching unit;
A photoelectric conversion unit including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from the second multiplexing unit;
An array antenna, and
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The number of the delay means is the number obtained by adding the number of array antennas to the number of modulators and subtracting 1 from the number of modulators.
The first connection switching unit and the second connection switching unit are different in delay time from the modulation unit to the output of the photoelectric conversion unit with respect to each duplexer of the modulated light generation unit. Connecting the respective outputs of the duplexers to the respective multiplexers of the second multiplexer in a path in which the maximum value of is less than the minimum value of the period of the modulation signal,
An optical control array antenna device, wherein an electrical signal from each of the photoelectric converters is applied to each element of the array antenna. 6. A light control array antenna device comprising a plurality of light control array antenna devices according to claim 5 and combining the plurality of array antennas to form an array antenna having a larger number of elements. (1) A light source unit that outputs a single light wave having a plurality of spectral lines of different wavelengths or combines a plurality of light waves composed of a plurality of light sources and having a plurality of spectral lines of different wavelengths; A modulator that modulates a light wave from the light source unit with a signal received from a plurality of directions of beams input from an element of the array antenna; and (2) a plurality of modulated light generation units, and (2) from the modulated light generation unit A delay unit having wavelength dispersion that gives a delay time depending on a wavelength through the light wave; and (3) a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the light wave from the delay unit for each spectrum line. A plurality of modulated light generating means each including a delay means and a duplexer;
A connection switching unit;
A multiplexing unit including a plurality of multiplexers that combine the light waves selected by the connection switching unit;
A photoelectric conversion unit including a plurality of photoelectric converters that convert light waves from each multiplexer; and
The spectral lines of the light waves from each of the above light source units have the same wavelength,
The connection switching unit is configured to connect each output of the duplexer to each of the multiplexers so that one output terminal is directed to one input terminal .
For the electrical signals from a plurality of the elements of the array antenna applied to any one of the plurality of photoelectric converters, the phase of the signal of the beam in a specific direction selected from the beams in the plurality of directions is A light control array antenna apparatus, characterized in that a delay time by the delay means is set so as to match and increase strength.

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