Microwave oscillator with optical readout of resonance phenomena

摘要

A microwave oscillator circuit having a voltage controlled oscillator for producing a controllable frequency microwave signal and a high overtone bulk acoustic resonator coupled to receive the signal is provided with a light source for directing a light beam onto the resonator such that the light is diffracted in response to the presence of acoustic waves produced in the resonator by the microwave signal. Diffracted and undiffracted portions of the light beam are measured and compared to provide an indication of resonance phenomena within the high overtone bulk acoustic resonator. This technique is particularly applicable to frequency agile stable local oscillators in radar equipment. Optical data extraction is completely non-invasive with respect to the microwave circuit functions, resulting in unimpaired stable local oscillator operation.