Abstract: A sensing system. In some embodiments, the sensing system includes an imaging radio frequency receiver, an imaging radio frequency to optical converter, an imaging optical receiver, an optical beam combiner, and an imaging optical detector. The optical beam combiner is configured to combine an optical signal of the imaging radio frequency to optical converter, and an optical signal of the imaging optical receiver. In operation, the imaging radio frequency receiver, the imaging radio frequency to optical converter, and the optical beam combiner together form, on the imaging optical detector, an optical image of a radio frequency scene within a field of view of the imaging radio frequency receiver, and the imaging optical receiver and the optical beam combiner together form, on the imaging optical detector, an optical image of an optical scene within a field of view of the imaging optical receiver.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) provides a common architecture to feed both optical and RF phased arrays to produce steerable co-boresighted optical and RF beams from a single chip. The PIC may be used for guidance, mobile data links, autonomous vehicles and 5G cellular communications. A plurality of switches are monolithically fabricated on the PIC with the optical feed network to switch the optical power of the phase-modulated optical channel signals between the integrated optical antennas and the RF antennas to produce steerable optical and RF beams. The photo-detectors and RF antennas may be discrete components or integrated with the optical feed network. To ensure that the optical and RF beams are co-boresighted (within a specified angular tolerance) for the same steering commands, the PIC is positioned within the RF antenna array footprint.