Optically reconfigurable matching networks

In this paper an optically reconfigurable circuit as a part of the input matching network is proposed and applied in order to design a 2.5-3.5 GHz frequency tunable power amplifier. Tunability is achieved by increasing the power of the laser applied to the highly resistive silicon wafer and changing the properties of silicon under optical illumination. Tunable class AB power amplifier with the optical switch in the input matching circuit has obtained the frequency tuning range of 2.5-3.5 GHz with no significant loss in efficiency and linearity.