Photonic–electronic hybrid microwave source with broadband coverage and ultra-low phase noise
Abstract
We present a compact optoelectronic microwave source achieving broadband coverage from 1 to 100 GHz with frequency-independent, ultralow phase noise. The system integrates thin‑film lithium niobate modulation with stimulated Brillouin scattering and common mode noise rejection in a high‑Q fiber resonator, enabling a 100 GHz carrier to reach the phase noise level of -111.4 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz and -130.6 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. Then, a 10 GHz signal generated through electrical frequency division and injection locking of a dielectric oscillator is demonstrated, reaching phase noise levels of -84 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz, -124 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz, -138 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz, and -166.43 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz, limited by the noise floor of the synthesizer chip. This architecture overcomes the conventional trade-off between phase noise and carrier frequency, providing a promising solution for advanced communications, radar, and quantum measurements.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Advanced Photonic Communication Systems
Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies
Photorefractive and Nonlinear Optics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Optics Letters
- Volume
- 51
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1456–1456
- Publication date
- 17 February 2026
- Language
- EN