We propose to demonstrate a photonic radio-frequency (RF) arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) having (1) 3 dB bandwidth = 10 GHz, (2) time aperture > 2 ns (time-bandwidth product > 20), and (3) maximum RF output amplitude > 3 V. This performance will be facilitated by our proposed highly linear, high-power 10 GHz bandwidth photodiodes which will deliver > 3 V peak RF amplitude, thereby enabling a 6-fold improvement over the state-of-the-art in photonic AWGs. Additionally, the photodiode will provide high amplitude linearity (> 50 dBm OIP3) and high phase linearity (< 2 rad/W power-to-phase conversion factor) in order to maximize the dynamic range as well as to reduce the timing jitter of photonic AWGs. Our photodiodesÂ’ inherently low polarization dependent loss (< 0.1 dB) combined with the proposed modifications in the photonic AWG architecture will lead to a stable operation for > 1 hour without any polarization adjustments. During the Phase I Option period, the 3 dB bandwidth of the proposed photodiode and the photonic AWG will be extended to 20 GHz, while maintaining the other specifications.
Keywords: Arbitrary Waveform Generator, Photodiode, High Linearity, High Power, Secure Communication, Ultra-Wideband, Spread Spectrum
