Abstract

Photonics-based radar technologies can implement better performance in some main functionalities of the radar systems. The outstanding question is whether these technologies are suitable for the practical application of modern or future radars. Here, we comprehensively analyze key radar parameters and summarize the requirements for the practical applications. Then, we present the corresponding photonics-based technologies capable of meeting actual radar needs. From the aspect of radar signal requirements, we compare the typical microwave photonic technologies for the radar signal generation at this stage and guide the improvement direction. The paper reviews the photonics-based radar signal generation based on a phase-locked dual-comb in detail. Further, the innovative and scalable capabilities of the scheme are presented, including the multi-band radar signal generation for multiple functions radar, and high accuracy beamforming for advanced active phased array radar. The enhanced performances include more flexible carrier frequency, large modulation bandwidth, tunable pulse duration, configurable pulse repetition frequency, full coherence, and continuous phase shift with ultra-high accuracy. The proposed novel photonics-based technology will greatly push forward the application of microwave photonics technologies in actual radar systems.

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