Millimeter‐Wave Integrated Sensing and Communication System Based on a Photonics‐Assisted Phased Array

ABSTRACT Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) systems harmoniously combine environmental detection and data transmission within a unified platform, enabling transformative applications in autonomous driving, smart manufacturing, and telemedicine. However, current implementations typically rely on mechanical beam steering and discrete bulky components to fulfill desired functions, limiting steering speed, reliability, and system scalability. Here, we demonstrate an ISAC system based on an integrated photonic‐assisted phased array for the first time. Operating as a transmitter, the array achieves rapid beam steering (23 ) over a wide range through on‐chip time‐delay manipulation. Moreover, the array directly converts optical signals into broadband (27 GHz) millimeter‐wave signals, eliminating the need for external radio‐frequency components. By employing an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing‐frequency modulated continuous‐wave (OFDM‐FMCW) hybrid signal as an integrated waveform, the proposed ISAC system supports the dual functions of sensing and communication without compromising performances in either domain, achieving efficient multiplexing of time and spectrum resources. As a proof‐of‐concept experiment, high‐speed communication (20 Gbps) and high‐precision (3 cm) ranging across different steering angles are successfully demonstrated within a shared spectrum and hardware platform. The proposed scheme shows significant advantages in steering speed, operating bandwidth, and reliability, delivering a potential solution for next‐generation ISAC networks.