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Two-dimensional single-lobe Si photonic optical phased array with minimal antennas using a non-uniform large spacing
Applied Optics
|October 18, 2022
Summary
This study presents a silicon photonic optical phased array (OPA) with a large aperture and minimal antennas. The optimized 9x9 antenna array achieves a narrow beamwidth for advanced optical beam steering applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Optical phased arrays (OPAs) are crucial for beam steering.
- Achieving large apertures with minimal antennas while maintaining a single-lobe far field is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate a silicon photonic OPA with a large optical aperture and a minimal number of antennas.
- To optimize antenna spacing using a genetic deep learning algorithm for efficient beam control.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 2D Si photonic OPA with a 9x9 antenna array.
- Utilizing a genetic deep learning algorithm for non-uniform antenna spacing optimization.
- Independent phase tuning of each antenna via thermo-optical phase shifters.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a 0.39°x0.41° beamwidth.
- Achieved a 14°x11° 3 dB steering range, limited by the camera's numerical aperture.
- Validated the design through experimental results.
Conclusions:
- The developed Si photonic OPA design is effective for beam steering.
- The method is scalable to larger apertures for narrower beamwidths and wider steering ranges.
