This paper describes a unique, linear, sensitive, optically triggered RF switch for use in antenna switching, antenna reconfiguration, and microwave circuit control. California Microwave, Inc. is actively seeking practical implementations of such switches for several applications, most notably our Synaptic antenna, and have trademarked the devices as Photistors^TM. Three key technologies are necessary for the successful implementation of Synaptic antennas: Photistors^TM, optical sources, and digital control. The scope of this paper will be limited to Photistors^TM and their application. Steve Wojtczuk of Spire Corp. has been responsible for the design and fabrication of the current iteration of these devices. The following topics will be presented: (1) an introduction to this technology, (2) details of the switches, (3) current applications, and (4) future development.

Date Published: 22 November 1996
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 2844, Photonics and Radio Frequency, (22 November 1996); doi: 10.1117/12.259011

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2844:
Photonics and Radio Frequency
Brian M. Hendrickson, Editor(s)