High capacity wireless data links in the W-band using hybrid photonics-electronic techniques for signal generation and detection

Seamless convergence of fiber-optic and the wireless networks is of great interest for enabling transparent delivery of broadband services to users in different locations, including both metropolitan and rural areas. Current demand of bandwidth by end-users, especially using mobile devices, is seeding the need to use bands located at the millimeter-wave region (30-300 GHz), mainly because of its inherent broadband nature. In our lab, we have conducted extensive research on high-speed photonic-wireless links in the V-band (50-75GHz) and the W-band (75-110GHz). In this paper, we will present our latest findings and experimental results on the W-band, specifically on its 81-86GHz sub-band. These include photonic generation of millimeter-wave carriers and transmission performance of broadband signals on different types of fibers and span lengths.