Millimeter-Wave UWB Signal Generation Via Frequency Up-Conversion Using Fiber Optical Parametric Amplifier

We propose and demonstrate a novel approach to generate millimeter-wave (MMW) ultra-wideband (UWB) signal via frequency up-conversion using fiber optical parametric amplifier (OPA). The baseband UWB signal is amplified by a high-repetition-rate pulsed pump and generates many sidebands separated by the modulation frequency of the pump. By selecting two or three of the sidebands and beating in the photodetector, we can obtain an up-converted signal in the MMW band. In our experiment, we have successfully demonstrated UWB signal up-conversion from 3 to ~ 19 GHz with 18-dB optical gain using fiber OPA.