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Novel interferometric frequency discriminators for low noise microwave applications
J G Hartnett1, M E Tobar, E N Ivanov
1Department of Physics, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia. john@physics.uwa.edu.au
Summary
New interferometric frequency discriminators (FD) offer improved sensitivity and reduced phase noise for stabilizing microwave oscillators. These novel designs eliminate circulator limitations, enhancing performance in frequency stabilization applications.
Area of Science:
- Microwave Engineering
- Optical Interferometry
- Frequency Stabilization
Background:
- Microwave oscillators require precise frequency stabilization for various applications.
- Interferometric frequency discriminators (FD) are commonly used for this purpose.
- Conventional FDs can be limited by components like circulators, impacting phase noise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate novel configurations of interferometric frequency discriminators.
- To enhance the sensitivity and reduce phase noise floor of microwave oscillator stabilization.
- To explore the performance of single directional (SD), bi-directional (BD), and dual reflection (DR) FD designs.
Main Methods:
- Development and analysis of new interferometric FD configurations: SD, BD, and DR.
- Comparison of FD sensitivity against conventional designs.
- Evaluation of phase noise floor limitations, particularly concerning circulator usage.
Main Results:
- The bi-directional (BD) configuration demonstrated a 6 dB greater sensitivity compared to conventional interferometric FDs.
- Both BD and dual reflection (DR) configurations eliminate the need for an internal circulator.
- This removal of the circulator prevents limitations on the discriminator's phase noise floor.
Conclusions:
- The novel BD and DR interferometric frequency discriminators offer significant advantages in sensitivity and phase noise performance.
- These new FD configurations are promising for advanced frequency stabilization of microwave oscillators.
- The elimination of circulators in BD and DR designs addresses a key limitation in conventional systems.