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International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks

Application of slow light: Controllable microwave phase shifting using semiconductor optical amplifiers

Sean O’Dúill, Evgeny Shumakher, G. Eisenstein

Published Jun 1, 2011• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In this talk we show how slow and fast light effects arising from the nonlinear gain and refractive index dynamics within semiconductor optical amplifiers can be used to control the phase shift of microwave frequency signals. Theoretical predictions with experimental conformation will be shown as to how continuous phase shifting can be achieved and pay particular attention to the noise issue that arises in such phase shifters. Finally, applications of such phase shifters, including realizations of tunable microwave notch filters and tunable optoelectronic oscillators will be presented.

DOI
10.1109/icton.2011.5970788

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In this talk we show how slow and fast light effects arising from the nonlinear gain and refractive index dynamics within semiconductor optical amplifiers can be used to control the phase shift of microwave frequency signals. Theoretical predictions with experimental conformation will be shown as to how continuous phase shifting can be achieved and pay particular attention to the noise issue that arises in such phase shifters. Finally, applications of such phase shifters, including realizations of tunable microwave notch filters and tunable optoelectronic oscillators will be presented.
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We provide a comprehensive review of the application of slow and fast light (SFL) techniques to the field of microwave photonics. Basic principles leading to the implementation of phase shifting and true time delay operations which are instrumental in this field are first considered. We then focus on the description of the main results obtained by our groups in the implementation of broadband, full 360 phase shifting using coherent population oscillations in semiconductor waveguides. Next, attention is given to the evaluation of the system impairments implied by these devices when included in analog links. Finally, the main results obtained for several microwave photonic applications such as filtering, arbitrary waveform generation and optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs) are reviewed, and other directions for future research in the field are discussed.
The enhancement of the low frequency gain response of a microwave phase shifter based on slow light in a bulk reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA), by using forced coherent population oscillations (FCPO), is experimentally demonstrated. FCPO is achieved by simultaneously modulating the input optical power and bias current. The beat signal gain improvement ranges from 45 to 0 dB over a frequency range of 0.5 to 2.5 GHz, thereby improving the noise performance of the phase shifter. Tunable phase shifts of up to 40º are possible over this frequency range.