On the Accuracy of Microcomb-based Photonic RF Transversal Signal
Processors
- David Moss
Abstract
Photonic RF transversal signal processors, which are equivalent to
reconfigurable electrical digital signal processors but implemented with
photonic technologies, have been widely used for modern high-speed
information processing. With the capability of generating large numbers
of wavelength channels with compact micro-resonators, optical microcombs
bring new opportunities for realizing photonic RF transversal signal
processors that have greatly reduced size, power consumption, and
complexity. Recently, a variety of signal processing functions have been
demonstrated using microcomb-based photonic RF transversal signal
processors. Here, we provide detailed analysis for quantifying the
processing accuracy of microcomb-based photonic RF transversal signal
processors. First, we investigate the theoretical limitations of the
processing accuracy determined by tap number, signal bandwidth, and
pulse waveform. Next, we discuss the practical error sources from
different components of the signal processors. Finally, we analyze the
contributions of the theoretical limitations and the experimental
factors to the overall processing inaccuracy both theoretically and
experimentally. These results provide a useful guide for designing
microcomb-based photonic RF transversal signal processors to optimize
their accuracy.