39-GHz optoelectronic oscillator using broad-band polymer electrooptic modulator

An optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) producing a 39-GHz microwave signal has been demonstrated using a novel electrode-poled push-pull polymer modulator. This is the highest reported OEO operating frequency to date. Preliminary measurement of the phase noise shows performance in the range of commercial synthesizers and behavior with respect to cavity length in accordance with theory. It is also observed that dispersion penalty is a significant factor at this high frequency.

I. Introduction

The OPTO-ELECTRONIC OSCILLATOR (OEO) is an analog photonic link closed on itself. With an open loop gain set greater than unity, a hybrid microwave/optical cavity is formed which supports oscillations. Fig. 1.

Block diagram of dual-loop OEO.