146-GHz millimeter-wave radio-over-fiber photonic wireless transmission system

M J Fice,C C Renaud,G Carpintero,E Rouvalis,A J Seeds,F Van Dijk,F Lelarge,A Accard

doi:10.1364/oe.20.001769

Abstract

We report the experimental implementation of a wireless transmission system with a 146-GHz carrier frequency which is generated by optical heterodyning the two modes from a monolithically integrated quantum dash dual-DFB source. The monolithic structure of the device and the inherent low noise characteristics of quantum dash gain material allow us to demonstrate the transmission of a 1 Gbps ON-OFF keyed data signal with the two wavelengths in a free-running state at 146-GHz carrier wave frequency. The tuning range of the device fully covers the W-band (75 - 110 GHz) and the F-band (90 - 140 GHz).

Highlights

Radio-over-fiber (ROF)-based optical–wireless networks are emerging as an affordable alternative solution in environments where roaming connections are needed, such as conference centers, airports, hotels, and homes and small offices [1]
We report the experimental implementation of a wireless transmission system with a 146-GHz carrier frequency which is generated by optical heterodyning the two modes from a monolithically integrated quantum dash dual-DFB source
The monolithic structure of the device and the inherent low noise characteristics of quantum dash gain material allow us to demonstrate the transmission of a 1 Gbps ON-OFF keyed data signal with the two wavelengths in a free-running state at 146-GHz carrier wave frequency

Summary

Introduction

Radio-over-fiber (ROF)-based optical–wireless networks are emerging as an affordable alternative solution in environments where roaming connections are needed, such as conference centers, airports, hotels, and homes and small offices [1]. The main drawback is that the signal purity depends on having highly stable sources or a phase-locking mechanism for the two wavelengths The advantage of this technique is that it is especially well suited for RoF applications since the beat note is insensitive to dispersion in optical fiber [6]. Photonic integration has been used to grow monolithically two single-mode DFB lasers which were coupled through a Y-branch section This device has been shown to generate a low phase noise signal at 42 GHz, an eighth harmonic of the device relaxation oscillation frequency, when a 5 GHz electronic modulation signal is injected [8]. Our work points to the great potential of photonic integrated circuits to enable the development of wireless systems operating in the millimeter wave range [10]

Dual wavelength source

Photonic wireless system

Results

Conclusion