Analytical analysis of phase-modulation-based frequency-tunable optoelectronic oscillators

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Optoelectronics
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs) are crucial for generating ultra-low-noise radio frequency (RF) signals in microwave and millimeter wave ranges.
• Frequency-tunable OEOs (FTOEOs) typically employ electro-optic modulators, narrow-band optical filters, and tunable lasers for frequency control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel analytical approach, the phase transfer approach (PTA), for signal and noise analysis in FTOEOs.
• To generalize the conversion matrix approach (CMA) for FTOEO analysis.
• To compare the efficacy and complexity of PTA against CMA and existing methods.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of the phase transfer approach (PTA) for signal and noise analysis.
• Generalization of the numerical conversion matrix approach (CMA) for FTOEO analysis.
• Comparative analysis of PTA and CMA, including amplitude-to-phase conversion considerations.

Main Results:

• The phase transfer approach (PTA) provides a simple and fast method for analyzing FTOEOs.
• The conversion matrix approach (CMA) offers more comprehensive analysis, including amplitude-to-phase conversion, but is more complex.
• PTA's validity is confirmed through comparison with CMA and other established formulations.

Conclusions:

• PTA is a viable and efficient analytical tool for FTOEOs, particularly when speed and simplicity are prioritized.
• CMA remains a powerful tool for in-depth analysis, especially when amplitude-to-phase effects are significant.
• The study validates PTA, offering researchers a valuable alternative for FTOEO analysis.