Work

Optical Multi-Frequency Discrimination and Phase Identification System Based on On-Chip Dual MZM

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A photonic frequency discrimination and phase identification system based on an on-chip dual Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) is proposed. By utilizing the power cancellation (PCD) condition, the system achieves high-precision frequency discrimination and phase identification of multi-frequency radio frequency (RF) signals. The system adopts an on-chip dual-MZM architecture, effectively reducing phase interference in signal transmission caused by environmental factors. This is achieved through precise bias control and the adjustment of the local oscillator (LO) signal’s optical path delay using a tunable optical delay line (TODL), ensuring that the dual MZM operates in the phase inversion condition. When the LO frequency matches that of an RF signal, a significant power attenuation is observed at the system output. The phase of the RF signal is extracted from the corresponding PCD. Experimental results demonstrate that the system achieves a bandwidth of 30 GHz, a frequency resolution of 700 kHz, and a frequency resolution error of less than 498 kHz, with a phase identification range from 0° to 65°. With high integration, the system demonstrates excellent accuracy in multi-frequency signal measurement and phase identification, offering a reliable solution for complex RF scenarios.

Source: Photonics

DOI: 10.3390/photonics13020145

Authors: Xiang Li, Hanyu Wang, Xiang Zheng, Mingxuan Li, Jianguo Liu, Zeping Zhao

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Semiconductors, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photonic Communication Systems

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences