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Photonic-chip-based radio-frequency spectrum analyser with terahertz bandwidth

Nature Photonics volume 3, pages 139–143 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Signal processing at terahertz speeds calls for an enormous leap in bandwidth beyond the current capabilities of electronics, for which practical operation is currently limited to tens of gigahertz1. This can be achieved through all-optical schemes making use of the ultrafast response of χ(3) nonlinear waveguides2. Towards this objective, we have developed compact planar rib waveguides based on As2S3 glass, providing a virtual ‘lumped’ high nonlinearity in a monolithic platform capable of integrating multiple functions. Here, we apply it to demonstrate, for the first time, a photonic-chip-based, all-optical, radio-frequency spectrum analyser with the performance advantages of distortion-free, broad measurement bandwidth (>2.5 THz) and flexible wavelength operation (that is, colourless). The key to this is the waveguide's high optical nonlinearity and dispersion-shifted design. Using the device, we characterize high-bit-rate (320 Gb s−1) optical signals impaired by various distortions. The demonstrated ultrafast, broadband capability highlights the potential for integrated chip-based signal processing at bit rates approaching and beyond Tb s−1.

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Figure 1: Key aspects of the PC-RFSA.
Figure 2: Experimental set-up for measuring 320 Gb s−1 signals using the PC-RFSA.
Figure 3: Comparison of measurement data for 320 Gb s−1 signals.
Figure 4: Performance monitoring of 320 Gb s−1 signals using the PC-RFSA.

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Acknowledgements

This work was in part supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) through its ARC Centres of Excellence and Federation Fellowship programs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CUDOS, Institute for Photonic Optical Sciences (IPOS), School of Physics, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia

    Mark Pelusi, Feng Luan, Trung D. Vo, Michael R. E. Lamont & Benjamin J. Eggleton

  2. CUDOS, Laser Physics Centre, The Australian National University, Canberra, 0200, ACT, Australia

    Steven J. Madden, Douglas A. Bulla, Duk-Yong Choi & Barry Luther-Davies

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  1. Mark Pelusi
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Correspondence to Mark Pelusi.

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Pelusi, M., Luan, F., Vo, T. et al. Photonic-chip-based radio-frequency spectrum analyser with terahertz bandwidth. Nature Photon 3, 139–143 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2009.1

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