Abstract

Generation of opto-RF signals through heterodyning is now firmly established, the RF frequency being provided by the beat note between two lasers. It offers true single sideband signals, 100% modulation depth and tunability. However, the use of two independent free-running lasers leads to a large RF linewidth that has to be reduced by means of stabilization schemes. In order to get spectrally pure beat note, we propose to combine passive injection locking of semiconductor lasers with opto-electronic oscillator (OEO) schemes based on optical delay-lines. We show that this leads to a semiconductor photonic oscillator, without the need for any RF electronic reference.

© 2017 IEEE