Optical phased array is a kind of agile, rapid and accurate non-mechanical scanning technology. It has many merits such as high resolution, anti-jamming and keeping secrets. The application background of optical phased array is presented. Recent research developments of optical phased arrays are introduced, including different optical shifter based on LiNbO3, PLZT ceramics and liquid crystal. Their characteristics and applicability are discussed. And the developing prospect of the optical phased array utility are presented.