Abstract

This paper describes an experimental integrated optic multimode monopulse feed for a future optical tracking LIDAR. A precision monopulse tracker senses angle deviations of the order of a small fraction of the antenna beamwidth. Currently trackers utilize feeds comprised of two (or four) sectoral sensor heads. For proper operation the characteristics of the individual heads must be accurately matched to one another; moreover the septum dividing the sectors causes loss of sensitivity near boresight. These limitations are circumvented by the multimode feed.

© 1991 Optical Society of America