Photonic Vector Network Analyzers

Introduction

The deployment of 5G networks and the upcoming deployment of 6G in the next decade is essential to advance wireless communication for keeping pace with modern data hunger.

Terahertz Technology Challenges

6G will incorporate first channels in the Terahertz domain (100 GHz - 10 THz); however, terahertz technology in communication applications has a main bottleneck: the lack of powerful sources and versatile components.

Need for Characterization Tools

In order to engineer these towards maturity, sophisticated characterization tools are required to identify design flaws. The most prominent of these are Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), a class of systems currently dominated by electronics.

Advancements in Photonic Technologies

Meanwhile, photonic technologies start to become competitive with established electronic technologies in the lower THz band and already excel beyond 1 THz in terms of dynamic range. Optical comb technologies enable frequency accuracy and stability beyond that of electronic systems, potentially at a fraction of the cost.

Project Objectives

This project aims for the development of two photonic prototype systems:

1. A photonic frequency extender for the WR10 band, compatible with electronic base band VNAs.
2. A completely photonic VNA based on a frequency comb with a bandwidth of several THz, spectral purity better than that of electronic VNAs, and seamless tunability over the whole range.

Expected Outcomes

The technology to be developed in this project will simplify characterizing devices over a larger frequency range at (much) lower cost, enabling large scale deployment of VNA systems.

Broader Implications

This will, in turn, foster the development of Terahertz systems for further key applications besides communication, e.g. in spectroscopy, including medical applications, industrial-scale non-destructive testing and quality control, as well as security.