Modeling an actively mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator based on electric amplitude modulation

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optics
• Microwave Engineering
• Theoretical Modeling

Background:

• Optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs) are crucial for generating microwave signals.
• Actively mode-locked OEOs offer enhanced performance but are complex to model.
• Existing models may not fully capture the dynamics of electric amplitude modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel theoretical model for simulating actively mode-locked OEOs.
• To develop a calculation method for this model.
• To validate the model against experimental results.

Main Methods:

• Developed a theoretical model incorporating electric amplitude modulation for mode locking.
• Implemented a calculation method using convolution for mode selection.
• Employed pulse tracking and an extended time window for numerical simulation.

Main Results:

• Successfully simulated the waveform, spectrum, and phase noise of the microwave pulse train.
• Achieved excellent agreement between simulation and experimental results.
• Demonstrated the model's capability to predict OEO performance.

Conclusions:

• The proposed model accurately simulates actively mode-locked OEOs based on electric amplitude modulation.
• The model facilitates OEO design and provides insights into complex dynamic processes.
• This approach offers a valuable tool for understanding and optimizing OEOs.