A new optoelectronic oscillator topology based on a class E analog fiber optic link

A new optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) topology based on a class E analog fiber optic link is presented. This topology provides a high level of inherent opto-electronic conversion gain in the analog fiber optic link portion of the OEO thus eliminating the need for dedicated post-detector gain. The class E operation also allows for dual loop operation using a single optical detector and can provide good dc-RF efficiency. A proof-of-concept dual loop OEO was designed at 77 MHz and experimental results are reported that validate the proposed topology.