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Frequency-comb-steered ultrawideband quasi-true-time-delay beamformer for integrated sensing and communication

Author

Listed:
  • Mian Wang

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Wenxin Zhang

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Zeyu Ren

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Shangyuan Li

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Xiaoping Zheng

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Xiaoxiao Xue

    (Tsinghua University)

Abstract

Ultrawideband beamforming is essential for next-generation radar and communication systems, however, the instantaneous bandwidth of phase-shifter-based phased array antennas (PAAs) is limited by beam squint. Photonic true-time-delay (TTD) beamformers offer a potential solution, yet their practical deployment is hindered by complex delay-line architectures. Here, we report a frequency-comb-steered photonic quasi-TTD beamforming approach that eliminates delay lines by leveraging frequency-diverse arrays and photonic microwave mixing arrays. This enables squint-free beamforming and continuous beam steering for widely used linear frequency modulation (LFM) waveforms, effectively delivering infinite spatial resolution. We present 16-element linear and 4×4 planar PAA prototypes, achieving 6 GHz instantaneous bandwidth across the entire Ku-band. Furthermore, we demonstrate integrated sensing and communication capabilities, including inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging with 2.6 × 3.0 cm resolution and 4.8 Gbps wireless transmission. This work establishes a compact, robust, and scalable architecture for ultrawideband, large-scale photonic PAAs, paving the way for future integrated radar and communication systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Mian Wang & Wenxin Zhang & Zeyu Ren & Shangyuan Li & Xiaoping Zheng & Xiaoxiao Xue, 2025. "Frequency-comb-steered ultrawideband quasi-true-time-delay beamformer for integrated sensing and communication," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62854-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62854-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pablo Martinez-Carrasco & Tan Huy Ho & David Wessel & José Capmany, 2024. "Ultrabroadband high-resolution silicon RF-photonic beamformer," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Bala Govind & Thomas Tapen & Alyssa Apsel, 2024. "Ultra-compact quasi-true time delay for boosting wireless channel capacity," Nature, Nature, vol. 627(8002), pages 88-94, March.
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