Electromagnetic Interference Resilient, Low Noise Figure, Wide Dynamic Range RF Photonic Link

Photonic Systems, Inc. (PSI) and Harvard University propose to collaborate in Phases I and II of this STTR program towards the goal of demonstrating a broadband RF/photonic signal link with a specific combination of performance parameters and other features not available from present state-of-the-art links. The solicitation’s goal – specifically, an electromagnetic attack-resilient electro-optic modulator with bandwidth = 20 GHz in a package of size = 10 mm x 10 mm x 30 mm for a link with noise figure = 3 dB, spurious-free dynamic range = 120 dB in 1 Hz – is well beyond the state of the art of mature modulator technology. However, two recently demonstrated advances will enable PSI/Harvard to meet these goals in the proposed STTR program: 1) the compact low-loss ridge waveguides in micron-thick lithium niobate layers demonstrated recently by Harvard, and 2) recent demonstration by PSI of the passivation of both the modulator and the optical transmitter package to survive 10-kW microwave pulses,