Abstract: A device and system for coupling optical vortex multiplexed light into and out of a photonic integrated circuit. The multi-mode forked grating coupler device comprises: (i) a multi-mode forked grating structure configured to receive at least one optical vortex multiplexed light beam, wherein the multi-mode forked grating structure comprises at least one forked region positioned amidst a plurality of grooves, wherein the forked region comprises a single groove forking into two grooves, wherein the single groove is noncontiguous with the two grooves, and wherein the plurality of grooves comprise a central bending region; (ii) an optical waveguide; and (iii) a tapered portion connecting the forked grating structure and the multi-mode optical “bus” waveguide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a physiological parameter of a person using radar. The radar can be configured to obtain a radar return signal, the radar return signal received through a receive antenna and including a first physiological signal from the person. The system can also include a physiological signal sensor device, such as an ECG, comprising a sensor configured to obtain a second physiological signal from the person. A computer receives the first and second physiological signals and uses them to produce a time-locked average radar signal, the time-locked average radar signal including a physiological parameter of the person with reduced noise.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Photonic Phase Locked Loop (PPLL) detector/discriminator, which makes possible a system for optically transmitting electromagnetic signals through a transmission medium (such as optical fiber, optical waveguide, underwater, in biological tissue, or in free space) with high sensitivity and extremely high dynamic range exceeding what is possible with present optical intensity modulated (AM) systems. Information is encoded on an optical carrier through the use of phase modulation (PM) or frequency modulation (FM). This information is subsequently demodulated into an accessible form through the use of the PPLL.

Abstract: An optically controlled active impedance element particularly suited to se as a tuneable inductive element for a microwave oscillator is disclosed. The optically controlled active inductive element is comprised of a circuit arrangement, preferably consisting of MESFET devices which exhibit a composite inductive characteristics, and whose inductance may be determined and controlled by direct illumination impinging on the MESFETs. The optically controlled active inductive element lends itself to being adapted to monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) applications and may find use in a wide variety of microwave circuits. Also disclosed, is an embodiment which uses the optical controlled active impedance element, in a prescribed manner, to serve as a tuneable capacitor for use in various microwave circuits.

Abstract: An optically controlled active impedance element particularly suited to se as a tuneable inductive element for a microwave oscillator is disclosed. The optically controlled active inductive element is comprised of a circuit arrangement, preferably consisting of MESFET devices which exhibit a composite inductive characteristics, and whose inductance may be determined and controlled by direct illumination impinging on the MESFETs. The optically controlled active inductive element lends itself to being adapted to monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) applications and may find use in a wide variety of microwave circuits. Also disclosed, is an embodiment which used the optical controlled active impedance element, in a prescribed manner, to serve as a tuneable capacitor for use in various microwave circuits.

Abstract: A method and system for steering an antenna beam are provided. A light source emits light wherein at least one parameter of the emitted light is modulated. Modulated light is received by an optical detector and an analog control signal is provided by the optical detector in response to the modulated parameter. The control signal is applied to an analog-to-digital converter to convert the signal from analog to digital. The digital converter output signal is applied to a digital phase shifter for controlling the phase shift of the phase shifter and thereby steering an antenna beam according to the modulated parameter. The modulated parameter may be, for example, the intensity of the emitted light or the frequency of the emitted light. A plurality of converters and phase shifters may be provided for steering of phased array antennas.