Ultrafast Autonomous Detection and Scanning System Based on Optoelectronic Pulse Switching

Abstract : A novel method allowing the ultrafast scanning of an area thanks to an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) antenna array is proposed in this paper. This method is based on the use of asynchronous optical pulses trains with di®erent repetition rates obtained in ampli¯ed regenerative cavities. By means of optoelectronic switching, providing short powerful electrical pulses trains to an UWB antenna array, it is possible to spatially scan a large area in less than 1 ms. The paper presents the principle of the transient beam steering and its potentialities to realize an ultrafast detection system.