Millimeter wave frequency synthesizers using integrated photonics aided phase locked loops

We present a methodology to synthesize millimeter (mm) and submillimeter range sinusoidal signals using the principle of photomixing and phase locked loops. The presented feedback control system comprising a tunable laser, electronic frequency dividers, and other loop components enables the synthesis of a wide range of frequencies. The architecture provides the flexibility of using a wide range of RF sources and lasers for the generation of mm-waves, along with the advantage of a wide frequency tuning range. Experimental results also prove the feasibility of adapting the presented architecture for an mm-wave generation. This technique is an attractive solution for high frequency carrier generation for wireless communication (5G and beyond) and high speed clock generation in near-future electronic-photonic integrated circuits based signal processors.