Open AccessMethod for the generation of microwave frequency combs based on a Vernier optoelectronic feedback loop
Author(s) -
Zhiqiang Shen,
Chenfei Jin,
Jie Yang,
Siqi Zhang,
Mo Tang,
Keke Wang
Publication year - 2020
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.408601
Subject(s) - phase noise , vernier scale , photonics , microwave , optics , optoelectronics , feedback loop , frequency comb , noise (video) , materials science , electronic engineering , computer science , physics , telecommunications , engineering , laser , computer security , artificial intelligence , image (mathematics)
Microwave frequency combs (MFCs) with flexible tunability and prominent phase noise performance are of importance to many applications, including consumer electronic product, fundamental research and military defence. It is difficult for traditional electronic signal sources to meet the imperative demand in terms of high frequency scale, due to a challenging problem of deteriorating phase noise performance with increasing frequency. Photonics-assisted methods have capacity of implementing the generation of microwave signals with high frequency and low phase noise. Here we report a novel photonics-assisted MFC generation method utilizing an optoelectronic feedback loop with a Vernier configuration. The proposed MFC generation system features self-sustained oscillation, inherent multiple-mode oscillation and low phase noise level. In the proof-of-principle experiment, the MFC generation system based on a dual-path Vernier optoelectronic feedback loop is demonstrated, and the comb spacing tuning from 3.072 to 4.710 GHz and the single sideband phase noise of -99.60 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset from the carrier are achieved.