A high frequency builder software for arbitrary radio frequency signals

Abstract

While the frequencies accessible by signal generators steadily rise, the synthesization of complex and arbitrary waveforms with high frequency components remains challenging, especially when restricted by an external reference clock. In this article, we present a comprehensive software package combined with state-of-the-art hardware as a solution for the generation of highly sampled, arbitrary radio frequency waveforms. The software can be used to conduct both synchronous and heterodyne pump–probe experiments due to a variety of different synchronization modules. While both kinds of modules allow for standard waveforms, such as sines, pulses, and bursts, as well as any arbitrary signal, the heterodyne modules additionally are not restricted by the reference clock frequency. Both the output and the synchronization module can be adapted to support additional measurement devices. Due to the modular software structure, individual classes can be exchanged while maintaining all functionalities. The software provides a user friendly graphical interface that allows us to compose, save, and load complex arbitrary waveforms within only a few steps. The frequency selectivity provided by the software-hardware combination allows us to directly target specific excitation states of physical systems. Conducting a heterodyne scanning transmission x-ray microscopy experiment, we are able to demonstrate the capabilities of the software when paired with a high sample rate arbitrary waveform generator. The heterodyne synchronization modules allow for unlimited flexibility leveraging arbitrary waveform generation to their full power. By solving the challenges of synthesizing highly complex electromagnetic waves, the software enables a large variety of experiments to be performed more conveniently.