We demonstrate photonic beamforming using a quantum-dash (QD) optical
frequency comb (OFC) source.
Thanks to the 25 GHz free
spectral range (FSR) and up to 40 comb lines available from the QD
OFC, we can implement phased antenna arrays (PAAs) with directional
radiation and scanning. We consider two types of PAAs: a uniform
linear array (ULA) and a uniform planar array (UPA). By selecting
different comb lines with a programmable optical filter, we can tune
the FSR of the OFC source and realize a discrete scanning function. We
evaluate the beam squint of the ULAs, and the results show that we can
achieve broadband operation. Finally, we show that we can achieve both
directional radiation and scanning simultaneously using the UPA.