Photonics-Based Microwave Frequency Mixing: Methodology and Applications

Photonics-based microwave frequency mixing provides distinct features in terms of wide frequency coverage, broad instantaneous bandwidth, small frequency-dependent loss, and immunity to electromagnetic interference as compared with its electronic counterpart, which can be a key technical enabler for future broadband and multifunctional RF systems. Herein, all-optical and optoelectronic microwave frequency mixing techniques are reviewed, with an emphasis on the latest advances in photonics-based microwave frequency mixers with improved performance in terms of conversion efficiency, dynamic range, mixing-spur suppression, mixing functionality, and polarization independence. Innovative applications enabled by photonics-based microwave frequency mixers, such as radio-over-fiber communication systems, radar systems, satellite payloads and electronic warfare systems, are also reviewed. In addition, efforts in implementing integrated photonics-based microwave mixers that lead to a dramatic reduction in size, weight, and power consumption are also reviewed.