Arbitrary microwave waveform generator using lasers in close thermal and mechanical proximity

Abstract

The disclosure relates in some aspects to providing miniature power-efficient agile photonic generators of microwave waveforms. Illustrative examples use chip lasers integrated in close thermal proximity with one another to provide a miniature microwave arbitrary waveform generator (AWG). Due to the small size of the lasers and the close integration, common ambient fluctuations from the environment or other sources can be efficiently reduced, yielding improved spectral purity of generated radio-frequency (RF) signals. Tight physical integration also permits a small device footprint with minimal acceleration sensitivity. The lasers may be locked to cavities or other resonators to allow efficient decoupling of the frequency and amplitude modulation of the lasers to provide flexibility to the waveform generator. Exemplary devices described herein can produce frequency chirped signals for radar applications. The frequency chirp may be linear and/or nonlinear. Tuning methods are also described herein.