Wavelength controlled variable phase shifter for independently steerable multibeam antenna

A new type of RF phase shifter controlled by optical carrier wavelength is experimentally demonstrated. A simple optical waveguide on a 62 mm long LiNbO/sub 3/ substrate showed linear phase shift characteristics of over 15,000 degrees by changing the wavelength from 1540 nm to 1570 nm. This wide range implies applicability to wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) systems, where a simple waveguide behaves as multiple variable phase shifters. By integrating an array of this phase shifter and a slab waveguide, a simple BFN for independently steerable multibeam antenna can be realized.