Photonics in electronic warfare systems

Abstract

in this chapter discusses the requirements for electronic warfare (EW) systems, the current solutions based on standard electronic technologies, and their limits. Here, we analyze what photonics can implement in this field. In fact, this chapter takes into account the several photonics-based solutions proposed so far for the electronic warfare. In particular, these solutions focus on the following applications: microwave photonic links (MPLs), instantaneous frequency measurement (IFM) systems, channelized receivers, and scanning receivers. In the case of the scanning receiver, we also report on a field trial run in a naval scenario. It is worth underlining here that most of the photonics-based solutions proposed so far are still at the level of research results. In fact, in order for photonics to be a serious contender in radio-frequency (RF) systems, it needs to demonstrate either a quantum leap in performance or completely new capabilities in comparison with digital electronics. As can be read in the examples below, several photonicsbased solutions are coming close to this point. The reader can therefore find in the following the seeds of what we expect to see soon in the real application fields.