Optical-to-RF phase shift conversion-based microwave photonic phase shifter using a fiber Bragg grating.

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Microwave Engineering
• Optical Signal Processing

Background:

• Microwave photonic phase shifters are crucial components in various RF and microwave systems.
• Existing phase shifter designs often face challenges with complexity, control, and performance over wide bandwidths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel microwave photonic phase shifter with a simplified structure and enhanced control capabilities.
• To demonstrate the device's ability to achieve continuous phase shifts with high fidelity.

Main Methods:

• The proposed structure utilizes the conversion of an optical carrier phase shift to an RF signal phase shift.
• Control is achieved by tuning the carrier wavelength of a single-sideband RF-modulated optical signal interacting with a fiber Bragg grating.

Main Results:

• Experimental validation confirmed a continuous 0°-360° phase shift capability.
• The phase shifter exhibited low amplitude variation (<2 dB) and low phase deviation (<5°).
• These results were achieved over a wideband microwave frequency range.

Conclusions:

• The novel microwave photonic phase shifter presents a simple, effective solution for RF signal phase control.
• The device's ability to achieve wide-range continuous phase shifts with high accuracy makes it suitable for advanced microwave applications.