Microwave Generation
November 2, 2022 2023-02-01 12:14Microwave Generation
Precision Microwave Generation
- Radar systems
- Defence communications
- Photonic ADC
- Ultra-stable clocking
- Test and measurement
- Satellite communications
- Particle accelerators, Free electrons lasers (FELs)
- Coherent communications
Menhir Photonics added values
Menhir Photonics offers modelocked lasers with the lowest phase-noise available on the market today combined with extreme reliability. Fig. 1 shows a typical phase noise measurement for a free-running laser of the MENHIR-1550 series, measured on the 10 GHz carrier i.e. the 40th harmonics (250 MHz pulse repetition rate). Note that the noise floor of the measurement limits the integrated timing jitter to approximately 500 as (attoseconds).
Lowest timing-jitter on the market
High-repetition rates up to 2.5 GHz
Ultra-high pulse amplitude reproducibility
Photonic ADC
Digitalization of data opens unprecedented opportunities in telecommunication, radar and signal processing. Almost all sensing systems in use today require analog signals to be converted to digital ones. Signal rates have grown at a rate that has outpaced electronic analog to digital conversion (ADC). This demand for higher bandwidth, speed or digitalization precision puts stringent requirements on the aperture jitter of ADC setups. One way to improve ADC is to use a lower timing-jitter clock source provided by photonic solutions. Photonic ADCs benefit from much more than only improved timing-jitter. Using mode-locked laser sources like the MENHIR‑1550 laser enables a wide variety of new ultra-fast photonic digitization techniques.
We show here how the MENHIR-1550 can be used to clock an ADC at much higher bandwidths while at same time achieving timing-jitter below 1 fs.
Whitepaper
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RF generation
Radiofrequency (RF) sources are widely used in our modern world. All the radar systems, GPS and a broad range of other technologies are based on generating and comparing RF signals. The need to have more precise measurement systems and faster communication solutions puts stringent requirements on phase noise and timing-jitter.
We show here how a photonic solution, using the MENHIR-1550 laser as a low phase-noise oscillator, meets the current and future needs for RF generation. This solution is straightforward to integrate with current RF technology and can be used in harsh environments as well as in laboratory conditions.
Whitepaper
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Phase noise power spectrum of a free-running MENHIR-1550 250MHz laser measured at the 10 GHz harmonics.
Integrated timing jitter starting at 10 MHz for the same free-running laser.
All lasers of the MENHIR-1550 SERIES have an optional fast repetition rate tuning with a modulation bandwidth of >50 kHz for repetition rate locking or synchronization. In addition, there is also the option for fast modulation of the pump current.
The MENHIR-1550 SERIES reaches unmatched levels of industrial quality and environmental stability. It has been excessively tested for vibrations, shocks and other external disturbances (space and aerospace related standard tests). For integration into space-critical applications, customized small-sized versions are available.
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