A nonlinear optoelectronic filter for electronic signal processing

The conversion of electrical signals into modulated optical waves and back into electrical signals provides the capacity for low-loss radio-frequency (RF) signal transfer over optical fiber. Here, we show that the unique properties of this microwave-photonic link also enable the manipulation of RF s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2014-01, Vol.4 (1), p.3613, Article 3613
Main Authors: Loh, William, Yegnanarayanan, Siva, Ram, Rajeev J., Juodawlkis, Paul W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
639/166/987
639/624/1075/1081
Communications systems
Data processing
Humanities and Social Sciences
multidisciplinary
Science
Signal processing
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Summary:The conversion of electrical signals into modulated optical waves and back into electrical signals provides the capacity for low-loss radio-frequency (RF) signal transfer over optical fiber. Here, we show that the unique properties of this microwave-photonic link also enable the manipulation of RF signals beyond what is possible in conventional systems. We achieve these capabilities by realizing a novel nonlinear filter, which acts to suppress a stronger RF signal in the presence of a weaker signal independent of their separation in frequency. Using this filter, we demonstrate a relative suppression of 56 dB for a stronger signal having a 1-GHz center frequency, uncovering the presence of otherwise undetectable weaker signals located as close as 3.5 Hz away. The capabilities of the optoelectronic filter break the conventional limits of signal detection, opening up new possibilities for radar and communication systems and for the field of precision frequency metrology.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/srep03613