We report the experimental implementation of a wireless transmission system with a 146-GHz carrier frequency which is generated by optical heterodyning the two modes from a monolithically integrated quantum dash dual-DFB source. The monolithic structure of the device and the inherent low noise characteristics of quantum dash gain material allow us to demonstrate the transmission of a 1 Gbps ON-OFF keyed data signal with the two wavelengths in a free-running state at 146-GHz carrier wave frequency. The tuning range of the device fully covers the W-band (75 - 110 GHz) and the F-band (90 - 140 GHz).

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SUMMARYThis paper reviews a recent progress in terahertz wireless communications enabled by photonics technologies. After briefly summarizing transceiver configurations with electronics and photonics technologies, photonics-based approaches to achieving over 100-Gbit/s data rates are discussed. Then, some of our updated results on real-time wireless transmission experiments using discrete components are shown at data rates up to 50 Gbit/s. Finally, integration technologies are described by demonstrating latest advances in integrated optical sources and transmitters.

We report the generation of a 95 GHz carrier frequency by optical heterodyning of two wavelengths from adjacent channels from an arrayed waveguide grating-based multiwavelength laser. The extended cavity structure of the device provides low phase noise and narrow optical linewidth, further enhanced by the intracavity filter effect of the arrayed waveguide grating. We demonstrate that the generated RF beat note, at 95 GHz, has a -3  dB linewidth of 250 kHz. To the best of our knowledge, this is the narrowest RF linewidth generated from a free-running dual-wavelength semiconductor laser. The device is realized as a photonic integrated circuit using active-passive integration technology, and fabricated on a multiproject wafer run, constituting a novel approach for a compact, low-cost dual-wavelength heterodyne source.

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A monolithically integrated photonic source for tuneable mmwave signal generation has been fabricated. The source consists of 14 active components, i.e. semiconductor lasers, amplifiers and photodetectors, all integrated on a 3 mm 2 InP chip. Heterodyne signals in the range between 85 GHz and 120 GHz with up to -10 dBm output power have been successfully generated. By optically injection locking the integrated lasers to an external optical comb source, high-spectral-purity signals at frequencies >100 GHz have been generated, with phase noise spectral density below -90 dBc/Hz being achieved at offsets from the carrier greater than 10 kHz.

Monolithic twin-ridge laterally coupled diode lasers emitting at 1.3microm are presented that have a small-signal modulation bandwidth beyond the relaxation oscillation frequency of a single ridge. Spectra and spectrally resolved far fields are presented for three bias conditions: only one ridge lasing, both ridges lasing just above threshold, and both ridges lasing at biases well above threshold. In the first two cases the spectrum has single-peaked longitudinal modes, whereas the third cases shows splitting to in-phase and out-of-phase modes. The splitting frequency of the optical spectrum is measured to be 7.7 GHz. Small-signal modulation measurements reveal a strong resonance at 7.7 GHz, demonstrating an effect of lateral mode locking. As a result of this effect, the twin-ridge laser can be made to have a -3-dB bandwidth beyond that associated with its relaxation oscillation frequency.