Microwave Photon Receiving Antenna: New Concept and UWB Applications

The ultrawideband (UWB) reception and detection of microwave electric fields are crucial in various fields, including cognitive radio, radio navigation, radar imaging, and the Internet of Things. However, the receiving bandwidth of antennas is constrained by the impedance matching principle of transmission lines, which focuses on maximizing received power. In this work, we introduce a novel concept of a microwave photon receiving antenna (MPRA) based on the voltage matching principle, demonstrating a significant enhancement in the receiving bandwidth of Vivaldi antennas. We bond an electro-optic (EO) sensing photonic chip made of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) to the Vivaldi surface mount using gold wire to achieve optimal voltage matching. The resultant MPRA exhibits gains exceeding 0 dBi across the 0.4–20-GHz frequency range, with peak gains surpassing 10 dBi between 1 and 18 GHz and gains ranging from 15 to 21 dBi within the 1.7–15.5-GHz band. By leveraging optical fiber for signal transmission, the MPRA strengthens the receiving system against strong electromagnetic interference while enhancing long-distance signal propagation. This concept and its demonstration represent promising advancements in UWB antenna technology, offering valuable insights for future antenna design and improvements.