Work

Photonic matrix multiplier makes a direction-finding sensor

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We introduce a photonic integrated circuit solution for the direction-of-arrival estimation in the optical frequency band. The proposed circuit is built on discrete sampling of the phasefront of an incident optical beam and its analog processing in a photonic matrix-vector multiplier that maps the angle of arrival into the intensity profile at the output ports. We derive conditions for perfect direction-of-arrival sensing for a discrete set of incident angles and its continuous interpolation and discuss the angular resolution and field-of-view of the proposed device in terms of the number of input and output ports of the matrix multiplier. We show that while, in general, a non-unitary matrix operation is required for perfect direction finding, under certain conditions, it can be approximated with a unitary operation that simplifies the device complexity while coming at the cost of reducing the field of view. The proposed device will enable real-time direction-finding sensing through its ultra-compact design and minimal digital signal processing requirements.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.542156

Authors: Kevin Zelaya, Mohammad-Ali Miri

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photonic Communication Systems

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Air Force, Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Awards: G1523888516, G4952267915, FuSe-REG: Enabling Photonic Computing Engines through Hetero-integration, G7090116110