University Events

Description: Topic: High Dynamic Range Coherent RF/Photonic Links and Related Device Technologies

Location: Lester W. Cory Conference Room, Science & Engineering Building (SENG), Room 213A

Zoom Conference Link: https://umassd.zoom.us/j/98420250960
Meeting ID: 984 2025 0960 Passcode: 011218

Abstract:
Analog photonic links have emerged as a promising solution to the ever-increasing demands of next generation wireless systems such as high bandwidth, low loss, low weight, flexibility, and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). By leveraging the properties of optical fiber, radio frequency (RF) signals can be generated, distributed, and processed for applications such as radar, communications, and sensors. Despite its advantage over traditional electronic links, RF photonic links still suffer from poor spur-free dynamic range (SFDR) due to the nonlinear properties and noise contributions of devices used in the electrical-to-optical (E/O) and optical-to-electrical (O/E) conversion processes. Furthermore, to make full use of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, frequency down-conversion is still required for compatibility with high performance digital signal processors available in today's market. The need for frequency down-conversion adds to the complexity of achieving a high dynamic range link as existing methods also rely on nonlinear mechanisms.

To fully address this challenge, new approaches are needed to overcome technology limitations encountered at both the link and component level. In this work, multiple coherent RF photonic links architectures and their respective components are investigated as a means to overcome these challenges. The architectures include a phase modulated (PM) link with an optical phased-locked loop (OPLL) receiver, and an amplitude-modulated (AM) link with an optical superheterodyne receiver. To improve the performance of the PM a link, a novel heterogeneous OPLL receiver based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) integrated with a III-V photodetector is also proposed as an enabler for high dynamic range, small footprint, and large-scale integration.

Advisor(s): Dr. Yifei Li, Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth

Committee Members: Dr. David A. Brown, Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth; Dr. Dayalan P. Kasilingam, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth; Dr. Tariq Manzur, Adjunct Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth ans Scientist & Engineer, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC); Dr. Siva Yegnanarayanan, Technical Staff, MIT Lincoln Laboratory

NOTE: All ECE Graduate Students are ENCOURAGED to attend.
All interested parties are invited to attend. Open to the public.

*For further information, please contact Dr. Yifei Li at 508.999.8841 or via email at yifei.li@umassd.edu.