Broadband Feedforward Photonic Linearization Circuit for High Dynamic Range RF Links

In this Phase II STTR project, the team of Pharad and the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University plan to design and develop prototype broadband feedforward linearized photonic transceiver circuit assemblies with optimized SFDR performance. We will build upon our successful Phase I feasibility study and proof-of-concept demonstration to realize stand-alone photonic transceiver modules with the capability to be real-time adaptive, enabling the linearity performance to be maximized in response to dynamic input signals and environmental perturbations. Our proposed effort comprises two stages of work. In the Base Effort, we will design, develop, fabricate, and test a packaged prototype adaptive broadband feedforward linearized photonic transceiver circuit with target performance characteristics that significantly exceed the current commercial state of the art. We will measure the electrical-optical-electrical performance of the packaged prototype and carry out temperature and humidity testing of the module. In the follow-on Option effort, we will facilitate the transition of our technology to the Navy fleet through the development of a ruggedized, flight test ready, PCB-mounted version of our adaptive broadband feedforward linearization RF photonic transceiver. This ruggedized prototype will be a platform and environmentally compliant TRL 7 subsystem ready for flight test in a TRL 8 demonstration.