Oscillator Noise Research Articles

A novel high-Q Lamé mode bulk acoustic resonator

This study introduces a novel high-Q Lamé mode MEMS resonator, optimized through support beam structures and etching hole distributions to minimize anchor losses and thermal elastic dissipation (TED). Fabricated using a Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) process, the resonators achieved Q values of 129,200 and 102,100 in different designs, demonstrating significant improvements in vacuum conditions and highlighting air damping as a key loss mechanism. Nonlinear analysis revealed material nonlinearity dominance. These findings offer valuable guidelines for developing high-end MEMS devices, such as low phase noise oscillators and high-resolution sensors, by showcasing substantial reductions in energy dissipation and enhanced Q factors through structural optimizations.

Mode locking mechanism in Fourier-domain mode-locked optoelectronic oscillators

Fourier-domain mode-locked (FDML) optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs) are regarded as a promising candidate to generate linearly chirped microwave waveforms (LCMWs) with large time-bandwidth products. Nevertheless, up to date, the mode locking mechanism in FDML-OEOs is still not clear enough. Here, a comprehensive theoretical analysis is made to reveal the mode locking mechanism in FDML-OEOs. In particular, the phase relationship among numerous oscillation modes under stable oscillation is obtained. In addition, the FDML oscillation process originated from either noise or single-mode oscillation and is numerically simulated based on the model. Therefore, the initial oscillation process is comprehensively analyzed in the time domain, the Fourier domain, and the fractional Fourier domain, which provides a deep insight into the FDML oscillation process. Finally, the initial oscillation process of a FDML-OEO is captured in the experiment. The corresponding analysis is carried out to reveal the real mode locking mechanism, where the experimental results fit in with the theoretical and numerical results. This work provides a new approach for in-depth analysis of FDML-OEOs.

Generation of strong mechanical squeezing through the joint effect of two-tone driving and parametric pumping

We propose an innovative scheme to efficiently prepare strong mechanical squeezing by utilizing the synergistic mechanism of two-tone driving and parametric pumping in an optomechanical system. By reasonably choosing the system parameters, the proposal highlights the following prominent advantages: the squeezing effect of the cavity field induced by the optical parametric amplifier can be transferred to the mechanical oscillator, which has been squeezed by the two-tone driving, and the degree of squeezing of the mechanical oscillator will surpass that obtained by any single mechanism; the joint mechanism can enhance the degree of squeezing significantly and break the 3 dB mechanical squeezing limit, which is particularly evident in range where the red/blue-detuned ratio is sub-optimal; the mechanical squeezing achieved through this distinctive joint mechanism exhibits notable robustness against both thermal noise and decay of mechanical oscillator. Our project offers a versatile and efficient approach for generating strong mechanical squeezing across a wide range of conditions.

Adapted Chatterjee correlation coefficient

The need to accurately quantify dependence between random variables is a growing concern across various academic disciplines. Current correlation coefficients are typically intended for one of two purposes: testing independence or measuring relationship strength. Despite some attempts to address both aspects, the performance of these measures is still easily affected by oscillation and local noise. To address these limitations, we propose a new coefficient of correlation called the Adapted Chatterjee Correlation Coefficient (AC3). AC3 is designed to accurately identify both independence and functional dependence between variables, even in the presence of noise. We establish the consistency and asymptotic theories of (AC3). Additionally, we present a novel method, called Iterative Signal Detection Procedure (ISDP), for local signal identification. Our numerical studies and real data application demonstrate that AC3 outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of general performance and detecting local signals.

Investigating the impact of supply voltage fluctuations on phase noise in quartz crystal oscillators.

The impact of power supply voltage fluctuations on the phase noise of quartz crystal oscillators (XOs) remains an open issue. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis on this matter. This work presents a novel phase-noise drive sensitivity (PNDS) model for the XO to reveal its mechanism. This model based on five noise modulation processes demonstrates the distribution of the PNDS in the frequency domain clearly, and there exists a PNDS bandwidth fS that limits the supply voltage fluctuation, which is similar to the effect of the noise bandwidth of the classical Leeson model. Using the PNDS, we successfully predict the phase noise of a 10MHz oscillator under different supply voltage noises. In addition, experimental results show that the PNDS floor is determined by the phase modulation of the sustaining amplifier, while the amplitude-frequency effect of the resonator and the tuning of the diode often play crucial roles in the near-carrier PNDS.

Uncertainty of the initial phase estimation of a sinewave in the presence of phase noise, additive noise or jitter

This paper presents the derivation of a simple analytical expression for the precision of the initial phase estimates obtained through a least-squares procedure. That expression depends on number of samples, phase noise standard deviation and additive noise standard deviation. This study is applicable to the estimates obtained through the sine fitting algorithm with known frequency and to the Discrete Fourier Transform algorithm. The analytical expression supplied was verified using a Monte Carlo simulation with numerically created data. The non-ideal phenomena treated in this work is the presence of jitter in the sampling instant, phase noise in the oscillator and additive noise in the system both of which must be normally distributed with a known value of standard deviation. It is useful information for an engineer in order to choose the proper number of samples to acquire to achieve a desired level of precision on the estimates made and thus carry out an efficient data acquisition with no unnecessary samples thus optimizing the test duration.

Mitigation of channel tampering attacks in continuous-variable quantum key distribution

Despite significant advancements in continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD), practical CV-QKD systems can be compromised by various attacks. Consequently, identifying new attack vectors and countermeasures for CV-QKD implementations is important for the continued robustness of CV-QKD. In particular, as CV-QKD relies on a public quantum channel, vulnerability to communication disruption persists from potential adversaries employing denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Inspired by DoS attacks, this paper introduces a threat in CV-QKD called the channel amplification (CA) attack, wherein Eve manipulates the communication channel through amplification. We specifically model this attack in a CV-QKD optical fiber setup. To counter this threat, we propose a detection and mitigation strategy. Detection involves a machine learning (ML) model based on a decision tree classifier, classifying various channel tampering attacks, including CA and DoS attacks. For mitigation, Bob, postselects quadrature data by classifying the attack type and frequency. Our ML model exhibits high accuracy in distinguishing and categorizing these attacks. The CA attack's impact on the secret key rate (SKR) is explored concerning Eve's location and the relative intensity noise of the local oscillator (LO). The proposed mitigation strategy improves the attacked SKR for CA attacks and, in some cases, for hybrid CA-DoS attacks. Our study marks an application of both ML classification and postselection in this context. These findings are important for enhancing the robustness of CV-QKD systems against emerging threats on the channel. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

A Progressive-Learning-Based Channel Prediction Within Phase Noise of Independent Oscillators

A Progressive-Learning-Based Channel Prediction Within Phase Noise of Independent Oscillators

Accurate Estimation of the Phase Noise of Delay-Based Optoelectronic Oscillators at Close-in Frequency Offsets

Accurate Estimation of the Phase Noise of Delay-Based Optoelectronic Oscillators at Close-in Frequency Offsets

Spectral signatures of coexisting isolas and four-wave mixing under the effect of noise in photonic oscillators

The optical power spectrum is the prime observable to dissect, understand, and design the long- time behavior of small and large arrays of optically coupled semiconductor lasers. A long-standing issue has been identified within the literature of injection locking in photonic oscillators: first how the thickness of linewidth and the lineshape spectral envelope correlates with the deterministic evolution of the monochromatic injected laser oscillator and second how the presence of noise and the typically dense proximity in phase space of coexisting limit cycles of the coupled system are shaping and influencing the overall spectral behavior. In addition, we are critically interested in the regions where the basin of attraction has a fractal-like structure, still, the long-time orbits are P1 (period 1) and/or P3 (period 3) limit cycles. Numerically computed evidence shows that, when the coupled system lives in the regions of coexisting isolas and four-wave mixing (FWM) limit cycles, the overall optical power spectrum is deeply imprinted by a strong influence from the underlying noise sources. A particularly intriguing observation in this region of parameter space that we examine is that the isolas draw most of the trajectories on its phase space path.

Low phase noise microwave oscillator based on gain driven polariton

Low phase noise oscillators are key building blocks of many high-end microwave systems. This work introduces a phase noise reduction mechanism through a gain driven polariton platform, where coherent coupling is used to suppress frequency distribution around the carrier, effectively reducing the phase noise. The design process for achieving low phase noise performance is outlined, and three prototypes are constructed, all of which feature key components, such as gain-embedded planar microwave cavity, yttrium iron garnet, and magnets. In particular, the first prototype is used to showcase the phase noise reduction mechanism, while the second prototype, a fixed-frequency oscillator working at 3.544 GHz, exhibits phase noise levels of −117 and −132 dBc/Hz at 10 and 100 kHz offset frequencies, respectively. The third prototype offers a tuning range from 2.1 to 2.7 GHz, while maintaining phase noise levels comparable to the second prototype.

Synthesis of Electronic Frequency Tuning Units for Narrowband Ultra-Low Noise Oscillators with Surface Acoustic Waves Resonators

Synthesis of Electronic Frequency Tuning Units for Narrowband Ultra-Low Noise Oscillators with Surface Acoustic Waves Resonators

A Voltage-Controlled Surface Acoustic Wave Oscillator Based on Lithium Niobate on Sapphire Low-Loss Acoustic Delay Line.

In this work, we investigate, for the first time, a low phase noise and wide tuning range voltage-controlled surface acoustic wave oscillator (VCSO) based on a lithium niobate on sapphire (LNOS) low-loss acoustic delay line (ADL). The thin-film LN/SiO2 bilayer acoustic waveguide, together with the single-phase unidirectional transducer (SPUDT) design, is key to attaining low insertion loss (IL) by enhancing energy confinement and directionality. Based on a high-performance ADL with an IL of only 5.2 dB, a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 5.38%, and a group delay of 110 ns, the VCSO is implemented by commercially available circuit components using a series-resonant topology. The LNOS ADL oscillator operates at 888 MHz, showcasing a low phase noise of -94.1 dBc/Hz at 1-kHz offset and a root-mean-square (rms) jitter of only 30.26 fs (integrated from 12 kHz to 20 MHz) while only consuming 16 mA of supply current. Featuring a wide frequency tuning range of 6630 ppm, the proposed VCSO is a promising low-noise, low-power, and high-frequency timing device for emerging applications.Index Terms- Acoustic delay line (ADL), jitter, lithium niobate (LN), oscillator, phase noise, surface acoustic wave (SAW), thin film.skiptabldblfloatfix.

Noise Figure: Estimation of Noise Characteristics of a Radio- Photonic Path Based on the Results of Noise Figure Measurements

In radiophotonic microwave transmission systems, as in any radioelectronic systems, noise characteristics determine the potential of accuracy and range. As a measure of the difference between the noise characteristics of optoelectronic microwave signal converters from ideal ones, the use of the noise figures of the elements included in their composition is proposed. The effect of such a criterion is demonstrated by the example of the optoelectronic microwave oscillator (OEO). Based on the results of the study of the optoelectronic microwave oscillator noise parameters quantitative characteristics of the conversion of the OEO elements noise sources into phase and amplitude fluctuations of the output microwave oscillation are obtained. The analysis of the interaction of the OEO elements noise with the microwave harmonic oscillation is performed. The technique for measuring the noise conversion characteristics using the noise figure has been developed. The results of measuring characteristics of the interaction of harmonic oscillation with the optoelectronic components additive and multiplicative noise of optoelectronic components are presented. Based on the values of the noise figure, the possibilities of reducing the noise levels of microwave signal converters are evaluated and recommendations are made to reduce the influence of the noise.

A Proof of Concept Balanced Mixer with the use of a Digital IF Power Combiner to Improve LO Noise Rejection

In this work we present a novel digital technique, that allows local oscillator (LO) noise cancellation using a digital power combiner in a balanced mixer receiver architecture. A theoretical analysis of the noise cancellation using the proposed technique is derived and a proof of concept experiment is made for the Ku-Band. This experiment includes the design and construction of a custom balanced mixer and an artificial noise source. Experimental results show a consistent noise temperature reduction in comparison with a full analog mixer, and in some cases reaching noise temperature levels similar to the receiver operating without the artificial LO noise.

On-Chip Quantization- and Correlation-Robust Jitter Measurement for Low Phase Noise and High Frequency Oscillators

For on-chip oscillator phase noise characterization and monitoring a common technique is the measurement of the equivalent cycle-to-cycle jitter. In this letter we show that the quantization introduced to the recorded jitter by the measurement with a time-to-digital converter can be prohibitive for calculating the phase noise, especially at high oscillation frequencies and for spectrally pure oscillators. A second drawback of this method is that supply voltage noise can mask the phase noise due to intrinsic device noise. To avoid these limitations, we investigate an approach where the oscillator under test is compared to an identical replica. The resulting time difference measurements are introduced as delta jitter. The validity of the method is proven in simulation and measurement of an on-chip jitter measurement macro designed in 16 nm FinFET CMOS technology. The measurement results indicate both robustness against quantization error and a self-canceling of correlated influences on phase noise in delta jitter measurements.

Impact of external carrier noise on the linewidth enhancement factor of a quantum dot distributed feedback laser.

This paper demonstrates that the linewidth enhancement factor of quantum dot lasers is influenced by the external carrier transport issued from different external current sources. A model combining the rate equation and semi-classical carrier noise is used to investigate the different mechanisms leading to the above phenomenon in the context of a quantum dot distributed feedback laser. Meanwhile, the linewidth enhancement factor extracted from the optical phase modulation method shows dramatic differences when the quantum dot laser is driven by different noise-level pumps. Furthermore, the influence of external carrier noise on the frequency noise in the vicinity of the laser's threshold current directly affects the magnitude of the linewidth enhancement factor. Simulations also investigate how the external carrier transport impacts the frequency noise and the spectral linewidth of the QD laser. Overall, we believe that these results are of paramount importance for the development of on-chip integrated ultra-low noise oscillators producing light at or below the shot-noise level.

Five Low-Noise Stable Oscillators Referenced to the Same Multimode AlN/Si MEMS Resonator.

We report on the first experimental demonstration of five self-sustaining feedback oscillators referenced to a single multimode resonator, using piezoelectric aluminum nitride on silicon (AlN/Si) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Integrated piezoelectric transduction enables efficient readout of five resonance modes of the same AlN/Si MEMS resonator, at 10MHz, 30MHz, 65MHz, 95MHz, and 233MHz with quality (Q) factors of 18600, 4350, 4230, 2630, and 2138, respectively. Five stable self-sustaining oscillators are built, each referenced to one of these high-Q modes, and their mode-dependent phase noise and frequency stability (Allan deviation) are measured and analyzed. The 10, 30, 65, 95 and 233MHz oscillators exhibit low phase noise of -116, -100, -105, -106 and -92dBc/Hz at 1kHz offset frequency, respectively. The 65MHz oscillator yields Allan deviation of 4×10-9 and 2×10-7 at 1s and 1000s averaging time, respectively. The 10MHz oscillator's low phase noise holds strong promise for clock and timing applications. The five oscillators' overall promising performance also suggests suitability for multimode resonant sensing and tracking. This work also elucidates mode dependency in oscillator noise and stability, one of the key attributes of mode-engineerable resonators.

Time Jitter and Intensity Noise of an All-Fiber High-Power Harmonic Mamyshev Oscillator

The phase noise and relative intensity noise (RIN) of an all-fiber high-power harmonic mode-locked Mamyshev oscillator (MO) are experimentally investigated. Through characterize in detail the integrated time jitter (TJ) and RIN under different output power of each order of harmonic mode-locking, it is found that the integrated TJ/RIN gradually degraded with increasing the output power. In the meantime, the noise performance can be improved with increasing the repetition rate at a specific pump power. In addition, it is also found in the experiment that the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) effect deteriorates the phase noise and RIN of the laser output considerably. At the highest output power of 3.62 W, the integrated TJ/RIN reduces from 2.88 ps/0.36% to 2.39 ps/0.24% after spectrally filtering out the SRS components. However, the autocorrelation trace of the compressed pulse shows no obvious change with and without the SRS components.

A 2.5 pJ/bit PVT-Tolerant True Random Number Generator Based on Native-NMOS-Regulated Ring Oscillator

In this brief, an energy-efficient true random number generator (TRNG) is presented based on the jitter noise of a single ring oscillator (RO). By XORing two different oscillation stages of the RO, consecutive pulses can be generated due to the fixed intrinsic propagation delay and more importantly, the time-varying jitter-noise-caused variation to the above delay. By continuously quantizing the above pulses’ width using another high-frequency RO-based time-to-digital converter (TDC), the TDC’s least significant bits (LSBs) are dominated by the jitter noise, of which the magnitude can be largely increased through reducing the RO’s supply voltage with a native NMOS transistor. Based on a 40-nm standard CMOS process, the proposed TRNG design is fabricated and extensively characterized. By passing the widely-exploited test tools of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and autocorrelation function, the proposed TRNG’s randomness has been well validated. Moreover, the randomness evaluation is further extended to various process-voltage-temperature (PVT) conditions, and the measured Shannon entropy is always larger than 0.999995, showing excellent PVT tolerance. Finally, the proposed TRNG features a high energy efficiency of 2.5 pJ/bit at a throughput of 53 Mbps.