Emerging Technologies

Compact Opto-Electronic Synthesizer (COES)

A novel architecture for a Compact Opto-Electronic Synthesizer (COES) is proposed in response to the need of a high-quality frequency-agile frequency source for applications within the Space Based Radar program.

COES is an all-optical, high-efficiency, compact and lightweight, innovative system generating X-band to Ku-band signals with phase noise levels of -140dBc/Hz at 10kHz offset from the carrier, allowing for output power up to 20dBm or more. The COES also allow continuous frequency tuning of more than 1 GHz, with the possibility of phase-locking to an external source also via optical fiber.

The complete signal generation process resides in the optical domain allowing for the possibility of complete integration in ruggedized miniaturized systems able to be deployed to any environment or arranged in array configurations that will improve their overall noise performance.

The fundamental simplicity of this novel architecture make COES an ideal candidate to very diversified applications where high-quality, low power consumption and very compact size are paramount, with the extra advantage of a seamless integration with the optical domain. These applications span from high-rate data communication (whether wireless or on optical fiber) and optical network synchronization to space-based, airborne and ground-based radar systems.