Patent attributes
A microwave-frequency source at frequency fM comprises: a dual optical-frequency reference source, an electro-optic sideband generator, an optical bandpass filter, an optical detector, a reference oscillator, an electrical circuit, and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). The sideband generator modulates dual optical reference signals at v2 and v1 to generate sideband signals at v1±n1fM and v2±n2fM. The bandpass filter transmits sideband signals at v1+N1fM and v2−N2fM. The optical detector generates a beat note at (v2−N2fM)−(v1+N1fM). The beat note and a reference oscillator signal are processed by the circuit to generate a loop-filtered error signal to input to the VCO. Output of the VCO at fM drives the sideband generator and forms the microwave-frequency output signal. The resultant frequency division results in reduced phase noise on the microwave-frequency signal.
