Photonics Seminar: Resonant single sideband modulators

Dr. Andrey Matsko, OEwaves Inc.Abstract: Optical modulators up-convert RF signals to the optical domain and are key components in all microwave photonics applications. Modulators that have a very large bandwidth are naturally desired in wideband applications. This is generally obtained at the expense of lower power efficiency. Unlike standard wideband lithium niobate and electro-absorption varieties, modulators in narrowband microwave photonics feature extremely high efficiency. The high efficiency is obtained with resonance coupling to RF electrodes and/or the use of optical resonance devices. This approach leads to filtering, in addition to light modulation, which is desirable in virtually all narrowband applications. Here we present a new class of modulators with the unique feature of providing a narrow modulation bandwidth over a very wide RF frequency range. This feature opens up new and compelling applications such as widely tunable microwave photonic receivers as well as tunable opto-electronic oscillators.Bio: Dr. Andrey Matsko is an internationally recognized expert in theory of whispering gallery mode micro-resonators as well as quantum and nonlinear optics. He has over 100 journal publications in the fields and holds 12 US patents. He is a Principal Engineer at OEwaves Inc., where he is involved in studies of properties and applications of whispering gallery modes in dielectric optical resonators. Previously, being employed as a principal member of technical staff at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), he has initiated, participated, and led theoretical investigations of RF photonic receivers, miniature electro-optical modulators, opto-electronic oscillators, and tunable narrowband filters. He has studied and developed theoretical models based on which novel types of whispering gallery mode resonators with novel functionalities have been produced. He has investigated and developed models for noise and stability parameters of novel oscillators based on linear and nonlinear properties of whispering gallery mode resonators. He received 2005 JPL's Lew Allen Award for Excellence ("For seminal and unique theoretical contributions in quantum optics, in particular, the nonlinear interactions of optical crystalline whispering gallery mode resonators, leading to the establishment of this new area of research at JPL") and a NASA Space Act Award in recognition of contributions to the National Space Program and to the mission of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Jing Ma