Tunable laser optical self-heterodyning for QAM modulated frequency-hopped signal generation

This paper explores a new approach for the optical generation of frequency agile RF subcarriers. In addition to rapid frequency hopping we demonstrated effective quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) of the microwave carrier. The approach is compatible with Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) communications and is particularly well suited for applications that require high data rates and security. The research presented here emphasizes proof-of-concept experimentations and addresses the technological requirements to fully exploit its potential.