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Reconfigurable single-shot incoherent optical signal processing system for chirped microwave signal compression
Ming Li1, Shuqian Sun2, Antonio Malacarne3
1Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications (INRS-EMT), Varennes, Québec J3X 1S2, Canada; State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
This study presents a reconfigurable optical system for rapid chirped microwave signal compression. The novel approach achieves significant microwave dispersion, demonstrating robust performance even with distorted signals.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Signal Processing
- Microwave Engineering
Background:
- Chirped microwave signals are crucial in modern communication and radar systems.
- Efficient compression of these signals is essential for improved system performance.
- Existing methods often lack reconfigurability or single-shot capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a reconfigurable, single-shot optical system for chirped microwave signal compression.
- To achieve high microwave dispersion values using optical techniques.
- To evaluate the system's robustness against distorted radio frequency (RF) signals.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a multi-wavelength laser (MWL) and a programmable optical filter.
- Temporally modulating a shaped MWL output.
- Employing a linear dispersive medium for signal compression.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated single-shot compression of linearly chirped microwave signals across several GHz bandwidth.
- Achieved a microwave dispersion of up to 1.33 ns/GHz.
- Confirmed the system's robustness with largely distorted input RF signals.
Conclusions:
- The proposed incoherent optical signal processing system offers a reconfigurable and efficient solution for chirped microwave signal compression.
- This technique enables high-performance signal processing with potential applications in advanced RF systems.
- The system's resilience to signal distortion highlights its practical viability.
