An alternative optical method of determining the unknown microwave frequency by the use of electro-optic materials and semiconductor optical amplifier

Abstract

There are found different established methods for measuring the frequency of an unknown microwave signal. Several resonating and electronic methods are found where the frequency of a microwave is measured with good performances, where each method has its own advantage. Here in this communication the authors propose a new concept of measuring the frequency of unknown microwave with the joint uses of reflecting semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA) and electro-optic Pockel cell. To measure the frequency a known microwave source of variable and calibrated frequency is also required. Then with the help of a RSOA and electro-optic material one can find the unknown microwave frequency more accurately than that of any conventional mechanism. This method can extend a high degree of accuracy as optics is used to measure the unknown microwave frequency. As optical signal has million time greater frequency than that of microwave signal therefore a high degree of accuracy of frequency measurement is achieved. The electro-optic material takes the role of phase modulation for splitting an optical wave into several frequencies.