Title:  Linear and Spectrally Agile Integrated Microwave Photonic Devices and Subsystems

Committee: 

Dr. Ralph, Advisor

Dr. Cressler, Chair

Dr. Tibuleac

Abstract: The goal of this research is to advance analog photonic communication systems through two major efforts: 1) to intrinsically linearize the integrated photonic component that contributes most to nonlinearities, i.e. the photonic modulator, 2) to demonstrate microwave frequency tunable functions using an integrated photonic platform. The former enhances the performance of current integrated modulators to achieve metrics suitable for demanding applications in defense, cellular fronthaul networks, and traditional telecom. The latter provides necessary groundwork to enable the commercialization or implementation of next generation communication systems. The demonstration of such microwave frequency tunable (“spectrally agile”) architectures includes the design, simulation, characterization, and intuitive understanding of such systems. In this proposal, the field of integrated microwave photonics is introduced, followed by a brief review of modulator linearization techniques and integrated frequency converters demonstrations from the literature. Chapter three summarizes the preliminary research completed at Georgia Tech, broadly divided into optical power limitations in silicon photonics, linearization of modulators by the DC Kerr effect, and the simulation and experimental demonstration of various integrated photonic frequency converters (“downconverters” or “mixers”). Following, the remaining work is summarized along with a coarse timetable for its completion. Lastly, this work’s contributions to the field of integrated microwave photonics is listed, followed by the references cited throughout this document.