Microwave Frequency Conversion Using a Coupled Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser

Microwave signal mixing is observed when two signals of different frequencies are injected into the top and bottom cavities of a coupled cavity surface-emitting laser simultaneously. The signal amplitude at the mixed frequencies can be tailored by the dc bias or the microwave signal amplitude applied to the coupled optical cavities. Signal mixing enables the generation of microwave signals at new frequencies, which can be useful for optical signal processing or frequency conversion for a high-speed data link.