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Optically-activated array utilizing photonic integrated circuits (PICS)

  • US 10,637,139 B2
  • Filed: 11/09/2018
  • Issued: 04/28/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An optically configurable array antenna comprising:

  • a transparent substrate comprising;

    a plurality of radiative patches; and

    a plurality of vias each forming a conductive path through the transparent substrate to a respective radiative patch of the plurality of radiative patches;

    a microlens array below the transparent substrate;

    a plurality of lasers, arranged in an array below the microlens array, the microlens array being configured to direct light from each of the plurality of lasers to a respective radiative patch of the plurality of radiative patches;

    a nonconductive substrate below the plurality of lasers, the nonconductive substrate comprising a plurality of spring-loaded pins; and

    an integrated circuit, comprising;

    a plurality of laser drive circuits, each of the laser drive circuits being configured to provide drive current for a respective laser of the plurality of lasers; and

    a plurality of transmit receive modules, each of the transmit receive modules being configured to provide drive current for, or receive a signal from, a respective radiative patch of the plurality of radiative patches,the integrated circuit being connected to the plurality of lasers through a first subset of the spring-loaded pins, andthe integrated circuit being connected to the plurality of radiative patches through a second subset of the spring-loaded pins.

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