Tracking frequency conversion and network analyzer employing optical modulation

摘要

Tracking frequency conversion employs optical modulation of an optical signal to convert a radio frequency (RF) signal into an intermediate frequency (IF) output signal. A tracking frequency converter includes an optical modulator configured to receive the RF signal and to modulate the optical signal according to the received RF signal. The tracking frequency converter further includes a first square-law photodetector configured to receive the modulated optical signal and another optical signal to convert the received RF signal into the IF output signal. One or both of the modulated optical signal and the other optical signal is a tunable optical signal.