Signal generation using pulsed semiconductor lasers for application in millimeter-wave wireless links

We investigate the generation of signals using pulsed semiconductor lasers for application in millimeter-wave (mm-wave) wireless links. The generation of mm wave harmonic frequencies in both mode-locked and gain-switched lasers is considered and a method to generate mm-wave modulated optical signals with modulation depths approaching 100% is implemented. The technique uses optical filtering to select only two optical modes in the pulsed laser spectrum that beat together in a highspeed photodiode. The application of this method to the feeding of mm-wave wireless links incorporating microstrip patch antennas is demonstrated. These optically fed links have application in indoor wireless LAN's and optical fiber microcellular systems.<
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