Modeling amplified arbitrary filtered heterodyne microwave photonic links

We report an end-to-end analytic model for the computation of the figures of nerit (FOMs) of arbitrarily filtered and amplified heterodyne coherent microwave photonics (MWP) links. It is useful for evaluating the performance of complex systems where the final stage is employed for up/down-converting the radio frequency (RF) signal. We apply the model to a specific case of complex system representing the front-haul segment in a 5G link between the central office and the base station. The model can be however applied to a wider range of cases combining fiber and photonic chip elements and thus is expected to provide a useful and fast tool to analyze them in the design stage. (C) 2022 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

We present an end-to-end analytic model for calculating the figures of nerit (FOMs) of arbitrarily filtered and amplified heterodyne coherent microwave photonics (MWP) links. This model is applicable to evaluating the performance of complex systems, particularly in the final stage of radio frequency (RF) signal conversion. We apply this model to a specific case in the 5G link, representing the front-haul segment between the central office and the base station. It is expected to serve as a useful and efficient tool for analyzing various cases combining fiber and photonic chip elements during the design stage.