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

Mian Wang, Wenxin Zhang, Zeyu Ren, Shangyuan Li, Xiaoping Zheng and Xiaoxiao Xue ()
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Mian Wang: Tsinghua University
Wenxin Zhang: Tsinghua University
Zeyu Ren: Tsinghua University
Shangyuan Li: Tsinghua University
Xiaoping Zheng: Tsinghua University
Xiaoxiao Xue: Tsinghua University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62854-z

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