Dual-band tunable microwave pulse signals generation based on a time domain mode locked optoelectronic oscillator

Abstract

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a dual-band tunable microwave pulse signals generation method based on a time domain mode locked optoelectronic oscillator (TDML-OEO). The dual-band radio frequency (RF) combs are generated via injecting two single-tone signals and a low frequency signal. The two single-tone signals are injected to optimize the aimed center frequencies gain, while the low frequency signal is used to accomplish the multi-mode oscillation mode locking process. Furthermore, the dual-band RF combs with variable repetition rates of 3.69 MHz, 9.22 MHz, and 18.45 MHz are obtained with an over 72 dB ultra-high suppression of super mode noise as the TDML-OEO operates in the varied harmonic multiples mode locking state. Besides, by adjusting the amplitude and central frequency of the two injected local oscillator signals (LOs), a controllable output power and frequency tunability ranged from 11.1 GHz to 13.8 GHz are achieved for the generated dual-band RF combs. The proposed dual-band tunable microwave pulse generation method has great potential applications in multiband radars and electronic warfare.© 2023 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Publishing Group Open Access Publishing Agreement.