On‐Chip Metamaterial Antenna Array with Distributed Bragg Deflector for Generation of Collimated Steerable Beams

Abstract

The generation of collimated steerable beams of light is a fundamental function in optics needed in many applications, including free-space optical communications, remote sensing, and light detection and ranging. Implementing large-aperture light emitters directly on a photonic integrated chip without using external optics and expensive alignment systems is an outstanding challenge in integrated photonics. Here, the experimental demonstration of a new integrated antenna array architecture that uses a compact feeding circuit is reported. The design is based on an apodized Bragg deflector working as a low-loss (<0.3 dB) ultra-compact beam expander, which generates a 40-µm-wide on-chip Gaussian beam that illuminates a one-dimensional array of 112 optical antennas with a length of 1.5 mm. Each antenna comprises a metamaterial subwavelength grating waveguide core that is laterally loaded with an array of periodic radiative silicon segments. The device is fabricated on a 220-nm silicon-on-insulator platform using a single etch process with a minimum feature size of 80 nm. An antenna array with a power gain of 50 dB, a radiation efficiency of −3.8 dB, and a far-field angular divergence of 1.8°× 0.2°, in a wavelength range of 1500-1580 nm is presented.

Design of a Ka-Band Heterogeneous Integrated T/R Module of Phased Array Antenna

“…This results in high integration and small size, making it a workable option for systems and devices with superior stability and high efficiency. 25 dB, and receiving noise factor < 3.5 dB [17] Based on this, this article adopts a three-dimensional heterogeneous flat panel integration scheme for T/R module to achieve devitalization.…”

“…The central element of a phased array antenna that performs beam electrical scanning, as well as signal transmission and reception, is the T/R module. Higher standards have been set for the integration, volume, power consumption, stability, and environmental adaptability of T/R modules due to the increased operating frequency of phased array antennas, the variability of application platforms, and the diversified development of system functions [15][16][17][18].…”

Toward Practical Optical Phased Arrays through Grating Antenna Engineering

“…The grating coupling strength can be adjusted to achieving an effective length of several centimeters by adjusting the size and position of the Si segment. Pablo Ginel-Moreno et al used a metamaterial subwavelength grating waveguide core loaded with a transverse periodic array of radiating elements to fabricate a 2-mm-long ultra-long antenna in silicon waveguides [22,23]. Weak antenna radiation strength was achieved while maintaining a minimum feature size of 80 nm, and a far-field divergence angle of 0.1 • was measured.…”