Matching characteristics of high-performance, low-cost, analog fiber-opticlinks for arrayed-antenna applications

Two pairs of fiber-optic links are designed, built, and tested using direct ly modulated semiconductor laser diodes operating at a 1.3 mu m wavelength. Delays of 5 mu s are demonstrated, with a spurious free dynamic range of I cp to 115 dB / Hz(2/3), a wide-frequency band width of up to 6 GHz, and a p ulse response of 120 ps, with very low pulse distortion. The matching chara cteristics of each pair are measured Despite the fact that very different l asers are used, very good amplitude and phase matching of the fiber links i s obtained It is concluded that using the lasers from the same wafer would even further improve the matching, and would result in virtually unnoticeab le amplitude and phase differences between channels. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.