Two-dimensional integrated optical phased array with high fill-factor antennas

A silicon photonics optical phased array with a two-dimensional matrix of antennas is experimentally demonstrated in which the unitary antennas are optimized such that light can be emitted over a high fraction of the overall array surface. This design strategy can be used to obtain a low divergence emitted beam containing a significant fraction of the total emitted power, at the expense of a reduced beam steering range. This type of device can be suited to phase front correction in optical wireless communications systems.