Applications of lasers and fiber-optic systems in control of the formation of microwave signals and their distribution in antenna arrays

This review is based on the non-Soviet literature and deals with the applications of lasers and fiber-optic systems in phased microwave antenna arrays. An analysis is made of the promising variants of fiber-optic systems for the distribution of microwave signals and the requirements which must be satisfied by components of such systems are formulated. An account is given of the advantages of using fiber-optic beam-forming systems for antenna arrays, of fiber-optic devices for processing microwave signals, and of laser control of the generation of microwave oscillations. A review is given of ways for improving optical and optoelectronic components so as to achieve fast modulation of the intensity of laser radiation as well as reduction of noise and nonlinear distortions in a communication channel.