Microwave channelization based on dual coherent optical frequency combs

Abstract

In this paper, we illustrate a radio-frequency (RF) channelization scheme based on dual optical frequency combs (OFCs). Modulated by two sets of cascaded electro-optic (EO) modulators, dual coherent OFCs with different free spectrum ranges (FSRs), namely 10 GHz and 11 GHz, are generated. Based on OFCs, a channelizer with six channels, 1 GHz channel spacing is experimentally demonstrated, covering frequency range from 1 GHz to 7 GHz. The input RF signal is impressed onto the signal comb by a Dual-Parallel Mach-Zander modulator (DPMZM). At the same time, balance detection methods and I/Q demodulation are used to achieve high-precision reception and the processing of RF signals. Selecting the corresponding channel with a waveshaper, the performance of six channels is shown and the spectra at different stages are also demonstrated.