Advancements in Photonics for Radio Frequency Electronics Systems

Abstract

The application of photonics for the processing of radio frequency (RF) systems offer many potential advantages, such as low signal transport loss, large operating bandwidth, and potentially low size, weight, and power (SWaP) form factors. While investments from the telecommunications industry have matured the basic building blocks in radio frequency photonics and photonic integrated circuit technology, insertion of these advances into modern radio frequency systems requires solving additional unique challenges. The Georgia Tech Research Institute’s (GTRI) photonics team is researching solutions to successfully insert RF photonics in fielded electronic systems and broaden the technology impact beyond telecommunications. This seminar will cover three objectives: 1) introduce the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN) community to GTRI and select topics of its photonics research portfolio; 2) examine advantages and challenges of both discrete and integrated photonics from an RF electronic systems perspective; 3) survey architectures, systems, and components under collaborative development between the Georgia Tech Research Institute, Georgia Tech Electrical and Computer Engineering, and external partners. We will conclude by discussing capabilities under development that can expand IEN’s competencies and explore paths toward broader collaboration across Georgia Tech.