In imaging systems, a lens performs spatial Fourier transformation of the incoming waves, thereby mapping each plane wave into a point, or, equivalently, the lens focuses each set of parallel rays to a corresponding spot at the sensor array. Accordingly, two-dimensional (2D) vision requires a conventional 2D lens. This has been the common assumption since the dawn of free-space optics as a discipline. In this presentation, we demonstrate 2D image formation using a 1D lens. Such imaging is obtained in the context of RF phased arrays where image forming means beam forming of multiple beams simultaneously for receiving (transmitting) independent radio waves from (to) many different directions at the same time. The method is based on spatially coherent electro-optic up-conversion of the incoming radio signals to the optical domain and it exploits the arrangement of antennas in a regular array to map between different imaging topologies. Space-division multiple access (SDMA) enabled by this imaging modality is instrumental to ushering the age of virtually unlimited information bandwidth in wireless communication. The approach overcomes topological constraints of imaging systems in general, and of phased arrays in particular. We explain the principles of method and present experimental results illustrating its viability in a practical setting.

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Janusz Murakowski, Garrett Schneider, and Dennis Prather, "Optical processing for phased-array and beamspace mapping," Proc. SPIE 12000, Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications XV, 120000G (Presented at SPIE OPTO: January 26, 2022; Published: 7 March 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2613480.