Hybrid fiber-radio systems in the mm wave range: a comparison between available optical sources

Three different mm wave optical sources have been presented and compared in terms of SNR, detected RF power, power fluctuations and phase noise (PN). For the PN considerations, VUG is limited by the inherent problems of the nonlinear process. The PN can be canceled with the drawback of higher spectral occupation. SNR performances are in the same range for the three sources and better than 35 dB. Power stability could be improved, but are less than /spl plusmn/1.5 dB and are fulfilling FRANS specifications. The detected RF power is better for SH and SSB, but loss conversions in the harmonics process are lowering power at 29.88 GHz. In terms of complexity, VUG and SSB are equivalent techniques (monolithic semiconductor devices). The SH source has, at the moment a higher complexity, however its integration is planned and should also provide a compact and potentially low cost mm wave source.