Open AccessNLFM waveform generation using tunable integrated optical ring resonators: simulation and proof of concept experiment
Author(s) -
Donald Adams,
W. T. Snider,
C.K. Madsen
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.012537
Subject(s) - waveform , resonator , optics , autocorrelation , bandwidth (computing) , full width at half maximum , materials science , free spectral range , optical ring resonators , physics , acoustics , computer science , telecommunications , mathematics , statistics , quantum mechanics , voltage
The NLFM waveform resulting from a tunable integrated optical ring resonator is simulated. The metrics of interest are the first sidelobe levels and FWHM times of the autocorrelation, as these directly relate to the long-range performance and fine range resolution of a LADAR system, and should ideally be as small as possible. Through simulation, the maximum sidelobe level of the autocorrelation of an NLFM waveform generated by a series of tunable integrated optical ring resonators is shown to be -20 to -30 dB or lower. A proof of concept experiment employing an off-the-shelf thermally tunable silicon-nitride optical ring resonator is shown to generate NLFM chirped waveforms with a bandwidth of 28 kHz.