Phased-array mapping for beamspace processing and beamspace processor

Abstract

An apparatus and method is provided to correlate radiation beams, such as RF beams, optical beams, and/or acoustic beams. A plurality of sensors are distributed according to a first pattern and disposed adjacent to a first interference region. The plurality of sensors may capture incoming radiation and convert the incoming radiation to a plurality of signals. A plurality of radiating elements are distributed according to a second pattern that differs from the first pattern and are disposed adjacent to a second interference region. A plurality of channels are connected between the sensors and the radiating elements, each channel connecting a corresponding sensor to receive a corresponding signal. Each of the radiating elements is in communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of channels to provide an outgoing radiation corresponding to the signal received by the channel. The second pattern has a relationship to the first pattern such that first and second beams of incoming radiation in the first interference region captured by the plurality of sensors are respectively mapped to corresponding first and second beams of outgoing radiation emitted by the plurality of radiating elements into the second interference region.