Microwave frequency generation using er-doped fiber optical frequency comb

A self-referenced optical frequency comb stabilized to an external reference can be a source of microwave signals possessing good traceability. The optical pulse train of the comb produces a corresponding train of current pulses via photodetection, which in turn provides a comb of microwave frequencies at the laser repetition rate and its harmonics [1]. Therefore, generation of tens of GHz microwave signals becomes possible by utilizing suitable electro-optical devices. In this paper, we have demonstrated the generation process of microwave signals by adopting a photodiode with wide operating range (~70 GHz) and shown the related signal characteristics with our frequency down-convert techniques. © 2020, Chinese Institute of Electrical Engineering. All rights reserved.