Active mode lock optoelectronic oscillator based on the simulated Brillouin scattering effect

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Photonics
• Microwave Engineering

Background:

• Optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs) are crucial for generating stable microwave signals.
• Traditional OEOs often rely on bulky electrical filters for frequency tuning, limiting miniaturization.
• Simulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) offers a promising nonlinear optical effect for signal processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel active mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator (AML-OEO) utilizing the SBS effect.
• To achieve easy and filter-less tuning of the central frequency for microwave frequency comb generation.
• To explore the potential for on-chip integration of the proposed SBS-AML-OEO.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an active mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator (AML-OEO) incorporating simulated Brillouin scattering (SBS).
• Utilizing phase modulation and SBS-based selective sideband amplification for frequency control.
• Employing an external RF synchronizing signal with free spectral ranging (FSR) for mode-locking.
• Investigating harmonic signal injection for harmonic SBS-AML-OEO generation.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of an SBS-AML-OEO without requiring electrical filters.
• Achieved easily adjustable central frequency by tuning the pump laser frequency.
• Generated a microwave frequency comb with adjustable central frequency and fixed bandwidth.
• Successfully achieved harmonic SBS-AML-OEO through harmonic signal injection.

Conclusions:

• The proposed SBS-AML-OEO provides a simple and effective method for tuning the central frequency of microwave frequency combs.
• The absence of filters and potential for integration make this scheme attractive for compact photonic systems.
• This technology holds promise for future integrated photonic and microwave applications.