A low-noise photonic heterodyne synthesizer

Photonic Radar Gets a Boost: Ultra-Low Noise, Wide-Range Microwave Source

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A team including OEwaves has demonstrated a photonic heterodyne synthesizer built from ultra-low noise, self-injection-locked lasers that significantly improves signal purity for mm-wave radar applications. This new synthesizer is continuously tunable from 1 to 104 GHz, and maintains very low phase noise performance (−109 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset) throughout that range. Its compact form consumes less than 6 watts of power yet delivers reliable output power across the band.

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In field tests using a 95 GHz FMCW radar, the OEwaves-enabled photonic source sharply reduced Doppler and ranging artifacts compared to the radar’s previous electronic synthesizer. This translates into cleaner target detection, especially in the presence of bright reflectors, and opens up greater dynamic range in radar sensing.

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This work shows how photonic sources that combine tunability, low noise, and compact engineering can enable next-generation radar, communications, and sensing systems.

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Key Takeaways: Ultra-Low Noise Photonic Heterodyne Synthesizer

Continuously tunable from 1–104 GHz with exceptional low phase noise.

Compact design, under 6 W power consumption, yet delivers strong output.

Field-tested in a 95 GHz FMCW radar, improving Doppler and range performance.

Opens the door to cleaner, more precise radar, communications, and sensing systems.

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