Broadband Photonic Microwave Noise Sources

The generation of wideband microwave white noise based on optical technology is investigated. It is shown that strong broadband noise in the microwave band can be generated using amplified spontaneous noise (ASE). Measurements show wideband operation (0-20 GHz) and very large tunable excess noise ratio (ENR) up to 62 dB. Photonics offer an alternative implementation of noise sources for system characterization over very broad bandwidths and potential to be employed in the millimeter and submillimeter-wave bands where conventional noise sources are complex or inexistent.