Toward single-cycle MMW pulse generation by optoelectronic switching of a high-speed photonic-transmitter-mixer

We report progress on all-optical generation and switching of few-cycle sub-THz or (millimeter wave) MMW pulses, which is demonstrated by femtosecond (fs) optical pulse pumped photonic-transmitter-mixer (PTM) based on a high-power and ultra-wide-band near-ballistic uni-traveling carrier photodiode (NBUTC-PD). Irradiated by the 100 GHz optical local-oscillator (LO) signal and all-optical ultra-fast bias modulation (switching) of the PTM, a <; 2-cycle short MMW pulse with central frequency at 93 GHz is demonstrated. Our approach yields the shortest such pulses with much less signal distortion.