Impact of Polarization on Distributed Optical Beamforming

In this letter, we propose the concept of distributed optical beamforming and its feasibility requirements. We quantify the importance of polarization beamforming among the beams for maximized beamforming. As a first step towards distributed polarization beamforming (DPolB), in this work we consider coplanar sources and receiver for beamforming and demonstrate the critical requirement of polarization alignment for maximized beamforming gain. We determine theoretically and verify via simulations the optimal polarization angle at the sources such that the electromagnetic waves interfere constructively at the receiver. Subsequently, we propose a novel method for automated polarization beamforming of multiple optical beams independent of source locations. Performance of the proposed DPolB is analytically captured in terms of average beamforming gain and verified using simulations. We also verify that the reduction in gain caused by slight deviation from coplanarity is not significant.

Automated summary

In this letter, the concept of distributed optical beamforming and its feasibility requirements are proposed. The importance of polarization beamforming among the beams for maximized beamforming is quantified. The critical requirement of polarization alignment for maximized beamforming gain is demonstrated using coplanar sources and receiver. The optimal polarization angle at the sources is determined theoretically and verified through simulations such that the electromagnetic waves interfere constructively at the receiver. A novel method for automated polarization beamforming of multiple optical beams independent of source locations is proposed. The performance of the proposed distributed polarization beamforming is analytically captured and verified through simulations, showing that the reduction in gain caused by slight deviation from coplanarity is not significant.