Linear photonic radio frequency phase shifter using a differential-group-delay element and an optical phase modulator

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Radio Frequency Engineering
• Optical Communications

Background:

• Photonic radio frequency (RF) devices are crucial for high-frequency signal processing.
• Existing phase shifters often face limitations in linearity, stability, or tuning range.
• Optical phase modulators offer potential for advanced RF signal manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel, stable, and linear photonic RF phase shifter.
• To achieve continuous 360-degree phase tuning for RF signals.
• To utilize the polarization-sensitive effects in optical modulators for RF phase shifting.

Main Methods:

• Employed a differential-group-delay element.
• Leveraged the polarization-sensitive effect of an optical phase modulator.
• Utilized an electrical control voltage for tuning the phase shift.

Main Results:

• Achieved a stable and linear photonic RF phase shifter.
• Demonstrated continuous phase shift tuning over 360 degrees.
• Operated with RF signals exceeding 40GHz.
• Tuning was achieved with an electrical control voltage range of -7.5V to +7.5V.

Conclusions:

• The proposed photonic RF phase shifter offers a stable and linear solution.
• The design enables wide-range, continuous phase tuning for high-frequency RF signals.
• This technology has potential applications in advanced RF and microwave systems.