Compact optical generation of ultra-low-noise microwave signals
This technology is an optics-based assembly that enables ultra-low-noise microwave signal generation using continuous-wave lasers integrated with compact photonics chips.
Unmet Need: High-quality radio-frequency signal generation with small footprint
Current optoelectronic methods for generating radio-frequency and microwave signals often rely on multiple independent lasers, whose uncorrelated thermal and technical noise degrade overall signal stability. Improving signal quality typically requires complex and high-footprint electronics such as servo controllers, which increase system size and power consumption. Alternative approaches, including Brillouin lasers, can reduce noise but remain fundamentally limited in their ability to achieve ultra-low phase noise. As a result, existing solutions struggle to deliver both high signal quality and a compact, scalable design.
The Technology: Compact and low-phase-noise microwave generation with optical oscillators
This technology enables the compact and low-noise generation of microwaves using integrated optical oscillators. By leveraging continuous-wave lasers and photonics chips, it delivers highly stable microwave signals with improved spectral purity. An optical parametric oscillator (OPO) provides built-in noise-suppression mechanisms, while all-optical synchronization transfers this stability to output signals without the need for complex electronic control. The result is a scalable, energy-efficient solution for high-performance microwave generation in a compact form factor.
Applications:
- Radio frequency and microwave communications
- Navigation and radar systems
- Frequency metrology applications such as atomic clocks
- Sampling-based measurement
- Analog to digital converters
- Wireless infrastructure for communication networks
- Aerospace and defense systems
- Test and measurement equipment for electronics
Advantages:
- Compact and small footprint design reducing size, weight and power consumption
- Ultra-low phase noise and noise-to-signal ratio
- Stable microwave signal production
- All optical components and no need for active electronics
- Scalable and compatible with integrated platforms
- Energy-efficient operation
- Enables high-performance operation
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Issued (US 12,449,713)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU22190
Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel