On-Chip Photonically Generated Chirped Signals for Microwave Communications

The generation, manipulation, and transfer of ultrabroad-band signals is essential for the realisation of the internet of things and future quantum networks. Microwave photonics has emerged as a promising field that leverages the benefits of both photonics and microwave technologies. This project focuses on the realisation of photonic integrated circuits that can convert high-frequency signals into optical signals to be, subsequently, transferred via optical fibres.

This proposed PhD research aims to develop a comprehensive system-level implementation for the generation of chirped radio waves or microwaves up to THz frequencies through photonic techniques. The research will further focus on integrating this system with on-chip platforms using simulations, followed by device fabrication. The final phase of the research involves applying the photonically generated chirped signals for efficient multi-user transmission, for example in the frequency range of 40 to 50 GHz.

The project proposal has been co-created with the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult to support the opening of their new Future Telecoms Hub in Bristol in 2023, where part of this project will be based.