Photonic Components for Signal Generation and Distribution for Large Aperture Radar in Autonomous Driving

Fully autonomous driving, even under bad weather conditions, requires use of multiple sensor systems including radar imaging. Microwave photonics, especially the optical generation and distribution of radar signals, can overcome many of the electronic disadvantages. This article will give an overview about several photonic components and how they could be incorporated into a photonic synchronized radar system, where all the complexity is shifted to a central station. A first proof-of-concept radar experiment with of the shelf telecommunication equipment shows an angular resolution of 1.1 degrees. Furthermore an overview about possible photonic electronic integration is given, leading to comprising low complexity transmitter and receiver chips.