Photonics for RF systems

Owing to inherently large time-bandwidth products and attractive size and weight features, photonics technology has long been recognized as valuable for its potential ability to extend sensing and signal processing performance and capabilities. RF signal generation, RF signal distribution, RF delay lines, fast tunable RF filtering and true-time-delay (TTD) processing for wideband microwave arrays are just a few of the areas where the broadband features of RF photonic devices and processors can be highlighted for RF system applications. To continue to meet the needs of future applications, RF system bandwidth and dynamic range at high sensitivity must continue to increase well beyond current performance levels; photonics provides an attractive approach for accomplishing this. This paper reviews recent developments in microwave photonic technology relevant to RF front-end signal processing.