Self-oscillating optical comb generator based on optoelectronic oscillator

This work is focused on two promising concepts of microwave photonics- optoelectronic oscillators and optical frequency comb generators, and their use to generate a self-oscillating optical comb. In particular we develop a recirculating loop topology in which a Mach-Zehnder modulator is modulated recursively via a secondary loop that acts as a self-homodyne input

Analog radio over fiber solutions for multi-band 5g systems

This study presents radio over fiber (RoF) solutions for the fifth-generation (5G) of wireless networks. After the state of the art and a technical background review, four main contributions are reported. The first one is proposing and investigating a RoF technique based on a dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DD-MZM) for multi-band mobile fronthauls, in which two radiofrequency (RF) signals in the predicted 5G bands individually feed an arm of the optical modulator. Experimental results demonstrate the approach enhances the RF interference mitigation and can prevail over traditional methods. The second contribution comprises the integration of a 5G transceiver, previously developed by our group, in a passive optical network (PON) using RoF technology and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) overlay. The proposed architecture innovates by employing DD-MZM and enables to simultaneously transport baseband and 5G candidate RF signals in the same PON infrastructure. The proof-of-concept includes the transmission of a generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) signal generated by the 5G transceiver in the 700 MHz band, a 26 GHz digitally modulated signal as a millimeter-waves 5G band, and a baseband signal from an gigabit PON (GPON). Experimental results demonstrate the 5G transceiver digital performance when using RoF technology for distributing the GFDM signal, as well as Gbit/s throughput at 26 GHz. The third contribution is the implementation of a flexible-waveform and multi-application fiber-wireless (FiWi) system toward 5G. Such system includes the FiWi transmission of the GFDM and filtered orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (F-OFDM) signals at 788 MHz, toward long-range cells for remote or rural mobile access, as well as the recently launched 5G NR standard in microwave and mm-waves, aiming enhanced mobile broadband indoor and outdoor applications. Digital signal processing (DSP) is used for selecting the waveform and linearizing the RoF link. Experimental results demonstrate the suitability of the proposed solution to address 5G scenarios and requirements, besides the applicability of using existent fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks from Internet service providers for implementing 5G systems. Finally, the fourth contribution is the implementation of a multi-band 5G NR system with photonic-assisted RF amplification (PAA). The approach takes advantage of a novel PAA technique, based on RoF technology and four-wave mixing effect, that allows straightforward integration to the transport networks. Experimental results demonstrate iv uniform and stable 15 dB wideband gain for Long Term Evolution (LTE) and three 5G signals, distributed in the frequency range from 780 MHz to 26 GHz and coexisting in the mobile fronthaul. The obtained digital performance has efficiently met the Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) requirements, demonstrating the applicability of the proposed approach for using fiber-optic links to distribute and jointly amplify LTE and 5G signals in the optical domain.Agência 1Este trabalho apresenta soluções de rádio sobre fibra (RoF) para aplicações em redes sem fio de quinta geração (5G), e inclui quatro contribuições principais. A primeira delas refere-se à proposta e investigação de uma técnica de RoF baseada no modulador eletroóptico de braço duplo, dual-drive Mach-Zehnder (DD-MZM), para a transmissão simultânea de sinais de radiofrequência (RF) em bandas previstas para redes 5G. Resultados experimentais demonstram que o uso do DD-MZM favorece a ausência de interferência entre os sinais de RF transmitidos. A segunda contribuição trata da integração de um transceptor de RF, desenvolvido para aplicações 5G e apto a prover a forma de onda conhecida como generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), em uma rede óptica passiva (PON) ao utilizar RoF e multiplexação por divisão de comprimento de onda (WDM). A arquitetura proposta permite transportar, na mesma infraestrutura de rede, sinais em banda base e de radiofrequência nas faixas do espectro candidatas para 5G. A prova de conceito inclui a distribuição conjunta de três tipos de sinais: um sinal GFDM na banda de 700 MHz, proveniente do transceptor desenvolvido; um sinal digital na frequência de 26 GHz, assumindo a faixa de ondas milimétricas; sinais em banda base provenientes de uma PON dedicada ao serviço de Internet. Resultados experimentais demonstram o desempenho do transceptor de RF ao utilizar a referida arquitetura para distribuir sinais GFDM, além de taxas de transmissão de dados da ordem de Gbit/s na faixa de 26 GHz. A terceira contribuição corresponde à implementação de um sistema fibra/rádio potencial para redes 5G, operando inclusive com o padrão ―5G New Radio (5G NR)‖ nas faixas de micro-ondas e ondas milimétricas. Tal sistema é capaz de prover macro células na banda de 700 MHz para aplicações de longo alcance e/ou rurais, utilizando sinais GFDM ou filtered orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (F-OFDM), assim como femto células na banda de 26 GHz, destinada a altas taxas de transmissão de dados para comunicações de curto alcance. Resultados experimentais demonstram a aplicabilidade da solução proposta para redes 5G, além da viabilidade de utilizar redes ópticas pertencentes a provedores de Internet para favorecer sistemas de nova geração. Por fim, a quarta contribuição trata da implementação de um sistema 5G NR multibanda, assistido por amplificação de RF no domínio óptico. Esse sistema faz uso de um novo método de amplificação, baseado no efeito não linear da mistura de quatro ondas, que vi permite integração direta em redes de transporte envolvendo rádio sobre fibra. Resultados experimentais demonstram ganho de RF igual a 15 dB em uma ampla faixa de frequências (700 MHz até 26 GHz), atendendo simultaneamente tecnologias de quarta e quinta geração. O desempenho digital obtido atendeu aos requisitos estabelecidos pela 3GPP (Third-Generation Partnership Project), indicando a aplicabilidade da solução em questão para distribuir e conjuntamente amplificar sinais de RF em enlaces de fibra óptica

Generation of Frequency Tunable and Low Phase Noise Micro- and Millimeter-Wave Signals using Photonic Technologies

The concept of generating micro- and millimeter-wave signals by optical means offers a variety of unique features compared to purely electronics such as high frequency tunability, ultra-wideband operation and the possibility to distribute micro- and millimeter-wave signals over kilometers of optical fiber to a remote site. These features make the photonic synthesizer concept a very interesting alternative for several applications in the micro- and millimeter-wave regime. This thesis focuses on the realization and characterization of different photonic synthesizer concepts for the optical generation of frequency tunable and low phase noise micro- and millimeter-wave signals. Advanced microwave photonic approaches utilizing external optical modulation and optical multiplication will be presented, offering high frequency optical millimeter-wave generation up to 110 GHz with superior performances in terms of maximum frequency tuning ranges and phase noise characteristics. In addition, the concept of a novel dual-loop optoelectronic oscillator will be presented that enables optical millimeter-wave signal generation without the need of any electronic reference oscillator. By using the developed dual-loop optoelectronic oscillator, microwave signal generation with tuning ranges in the gigahertz regime has been experimentally demonstrated for the first time.Das Konzept der optischen Mikro- und Millimeterwellen-Generation bietet gegenüber rein elektronischen Konzepten eine Vielzahl einzigartiger Möglichkeiten, bedingt durch die hohe Frequenzabstimmbarkeit, die extrem hohe Bandbreite sowie die Möglichkeit, Mikro- und Millimeterwellen-Signale über optische Fasern kilometerweit zu einer entfernten Station zu übertragen. Diese Eigenschaften machen das Konzept des photonischen Synthesizers zu einer sehr interessanten Alternative für viele Applikationen im Mikro- und Millimeterwellen-Bereich. Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Realisierung und Charakterisierung verschiedener photonischer Synthesizer-Konzepte zur optischen Generation von frequenzabstimmbaren Mikro- und Millimeterwellen-Signalen mit geringem Phasenrauschen. Fortschrittliche photonische Konzepte unter Ausnutzung externer optischer Modulation sowie optischer Multiplikation werden vorgestellt. Diese Konzepte ermöglichen die optische Generierung hochfrequenter Millimeterwellen bis zu 110 GHz mit ausgezeichneter Performance in Bezug auf maximale Frequenzabstimmbarkeit sowie Phasenrauschen. Des Weiteren wurde ein neuartiges Konzept des optoelektronischen Oszillators, bestehend aus zwei Faserringen, vorgestellt, welches die Generierung von Millimeterwellen-Signalen ohne die Notwendigkeit eines elektronischen Referenzoszillators ermöglicht. Mit Hilfe des entwickelten optoelektronischen Oszillators wurde erstmals ein Mikrowellen-Signal mit einer Frequenzabstimmbarkeit im Gigahertz-Bereich experimentell erreicht

Cascaded Microwave Photonic Filters for Side Mode Suppression in a Tunable Optoelectronic Oscillator applied to THz Signal Generation & Transmission

We demonstrate experimentally an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) in which high side-mode suppression is achieved by cascading a phase modulator-based single passband tunable microwave photonic (MWP) filter with an optoelectronic feedback loop-based infinite impulse response (IIR) MWP filter. The OEO provides an RF oscillation that can be tuned from 6.5 GHz to 17.8 GHz with a phase noise lower than -103 dBc/Hz. Experimental results show that inclusion of the IIR section leads to a 20 dB reduction of phase noise close to the carrier and an increase of 10 dB in side mode suppression, compared to the equivalent OEO without an IIR section. The OEO was used to drive an optical frequency comb generator to generate a THz signal at 242.6 GHz by optical heterodyning; inclusion of the IIR section increases suppression of the side modes neighboring the THz carrier. A radio over fiber link was then implemented at a 242.6 GHz carrier frequency, with transmission of a 24 Gbps signal over 40 km of fiber and a 30 cm wireless path at a bit error rate below the forward error correction limit. The proposed system may be applied to frequency reconfigurable THz links and radars

A monolithic integrated photonic microwave filter

[EN] Meeting the increasing demand for capacity in wireless networks requires the harnessing of higher regions in the radiofrequency spectrum, reducing cell size, as well as more compact, agile and power-efficient base stations that are capable of smoothly interfacing the radio and fibre segments. Fully functional microwave photonic chips are promising candidates in attempts to meet these goals. In recent years, many integrated microwave photonic chips have been reported in different technologies. To the best of our knowledge, none has monolithically integrated all the main active and passive optoelectronic components. Here, we report the first demonstration of a tunable microwave photonics filter that is monolithically integrated into an indium phosphide chip. The reconfigurable radiofrequency photonic filter includes all the necessary elements (for example, lasers, modulators and photodetectors), and its response can be tuned by means of control electric currents. This is an important step in demonstrating the feasibility of integrated and programmable microwave photonic processors.The authors acknowledge financial support from the Spanish Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnologico Industrial (CDTI) through the NEOTEC start-up programme, the European Commission through the 7th Research Framework Programme project, Photonic Advanced Research and Development for Integrated Generic Manufacturing (FP7-PARADIGM), the Generalitat Valenciana through the Programa para grupos de Investigacion de Excelencia (PROMETEO) project code 2013/012, the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Comercio (MINECO) via project TEC2013-42332-P, PIF4ESP, and the Unwersitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPVOV) through projects 10-3E-492 and 08-3E-008 funded by the Fondos Europeos de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). J.S. 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Photonic processing of microwave signals

La distribution par fibre optique de signaux de type « ultra-wideband (UWB)» requiert le développement de nouvelles technologies photoniques qui seront le sujet d'étude de cette thèse. Nous commençons avec un démonstration expérimentale d'une technique de sculpture d'impulsions qui offre une solution économique et à faible consommation de puissance pour les systèmes UWB . Dans cette étude, nous procédons à l'apodisation de deux réseaux Bragg identiques avec une variation de période linéaire qui sont placés aux deux entrées d'un photodétecteur balancé. L'apodisation est réalisée par l'application d'un profile de température à l'aide d'éléments résistif de petite dimensions, ce qui permet une consommation énergétique réduite et une bonne résolution spectrale. Le filtrage spectral d'une source laser puisée suivi d'une conversion fréquence-temps par propagation dans une fibre optique standard permet de générer une impulsion UWB efficace d'un point de vue énergétique pour les communications à courte portée dans la bande spectrale de 3 a 10 GHz. Dans un deuxième temps, pour générer des signaux passe-bande à haute fréquence, nous avons utilisé un laser puisé à commutation de gain. Après la conversion optique/électrique des impulsions en utilisant des filtres optiques et RF appropriés, nous réussissons à générer des signaux large bande dans des bandes spectrales ayant des fréquences centrales de 25, 35 et 45 GHz. Nous examinons diverses configurations de filtres permettant cette conversion selon qu'il y ait ou non transmission dans une fibre optique. Finalement, nous démontrons la détection de signaux RF dans le domaine optique par le design et la fabrication de filtres adaptés. Notre récepteur utilise un modulateur de Mach-Zehnder pour faire la conversion électrique-optique et des filtres à base de réseau de Bragg comme filtres adaptés. Nous examinons la performance du récepteur pour deux conditions de polarisation différentes du Mach-Zehnder. Nous avons conçu des filtres adaptés pour ces deux cas et nous discutons de la performance résultant

Radio over fibre distribution systems for ultra-wide band and millimetre wave applications

Short range wireless technology such as ultra-wideband (UWB) and 60 GHz millimetre wave (mm-wave) play a key role for wireless connectivity in indoor home, office environment or large enclosed public areas. UWB has been allocated at the frequency band 3.1-10.6 GHz with an emission power below -41.3 dBm. Mm-wave signals around 60 GHz have also attracted much attention to support high-speed data for short range wireless applications. The wide bandwidth and high allowable transmit power at 60 GHz enable multi-Gbps wireless transmission over typical indoor distances. Radio-over-fibre (RoF) systems are used to extend the propagation distance of both UWB and mm-wave signals over hundred of meters inside a building. UWB or mm-wave signals over fibre can be generated first at the central office before being distributed to the remote access points through optical fibre. In this work, we investigate two new techniques to generate and distribute UWB signals. These techniques are based on generating Gaussian pulse position modulation (PPM) using a gain switched laser (GSL). The simulation and experimental results have been carried out to show the suitability of employing gain switching in UWB over fibre systems (UWBoF) to develop a reliable, simple, and low cost technique for distributing UWB pulses. The second part of this work proposes two configurations for optical mm-wave generation and transmission of 3 Gbps downstream data based on GSL. We investigate the distribution of these two methods over fibre with wireless link, and demonstrate the system simplicity and cost efficiency for mm-wave over fibre systems. Both configurations are simulated to verify our obtained results and show system performance at higher bit rates. In the third part, we generate phase modulated mm-waves by using an external injection of a modulated light source into GSL. The performance of this system is experimentally investigated and simulated for different fiber links