Switchable coherence-free microwave photonic notch filter using a pair of intensity modulators

A simple switchable coherence-free microwave photonic filter configuration is presented. It is based on a pair of intensity modulators modulating an optical signal at different times. The design is free from the velocity mismatch problem of an electrooptic modulator. This all-optical structure realizes two-tap filters with the capability of switching the sign of one of the taps to positive or negative. The sign depends on whether the linear slopes of the transfer functions of the two intensity modulators at their respective bias points are the same or opposite. The case of a phase shift between the two radio-frequency drive signals is also considered. Measured results confirm the theoretical expressions and demonstrate a stable switchable notch filter response.