Low-Timing-Jitter and Low-Phase-Noise Microwave Signal Generation Using a VCSEL-Based Optoelectronic Oscillator

Abstract

This article presents the first results of the timing-jitter characterization of a VCSEL-based optoelectronic oscillator (VBO) at 2,5GHz. For all implementations, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) emitting in the O and C-bands were characterized. The resonant cavity was modified through the optical delay line length to verify its impact on timing-jitter and phase noise of the VBO. The lowest peak-to-peak jitter value obtained experimentally was 71 mUI when the optical fiber length was 1 km, whereas the lowest phase noise was -124 dBc/Hz with 5 km. This phase noise value, measured at 10 kHz offset, represents an 8 dB improvement compared to previous results, and it is the lowest value reported in the literature for the VBO architecture at 2,5GHz.