Optically-activated array utilizing photonic integrated circuits (pics)

An optically configurable array antenna comprising:

• a transparent substrate comprising:
• a plurality of radiative patches;
• and
• a plurality of vias each forming a conductive path through the transparent substrate to a respective radiative patch of the plurality of radiative patches;
• a microlens array below the transparent substrate;
• a plurality of lasers, arranged in an array below the microlens array, the microlens array being configured to direct light from each of the plurality of lasers to a respective radiative patch of the plurality of radiative patches;
• a nonconductive substrate below the plurality of lasers, the nonconductive substrate comprising a plurality of spring-loaded pins;
• and
• an integrated circuit, comprising:
• a plurality of laser drive circuits, each of the laser drive circuits being configured to provide drive current for a respective laser of the plurality of lasers;
• and
• a plurality of transmit receive modules, each of the transmit receive modules being configured to provide drive current for, or receive a signal from, a respective radiative patch of the plurality of radiative patches,
• the integrated circuit being connected to the plurality of lasers through a first subset of the spring-loaded pins, and
• the integrated circuit being connected to the plurality of radiative patches through a second subset of the spring-loaded pins.