A Model for Designing Ultralow Noise Single- and Dual-Loop 10-GHz Optoelectronic Oscillators

Abstract

A complete model describing both single- and dual-loop optoelectronic oscillators (OEO) is introduced. It is compared to several experimental configurations, with excellent agreement in all cases. The physical insight into noise coupling mechanisms brought by the model further allows us for the design of ultralow noise OEO. Phase noise performances at 10 GHz with a single 1 km delay line and with a dual 1 km/100 m delay lines are reported. An optimized dual loop configuration exhibits low phase noise floor at high offset frequency (-160 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz) and low spur levels (-145 dBc/Hz), here again in close agreement with our model.