Compact Ultra-Low Phase Noise Microwave Oscillator and Synthesizer

In applications including radar systems, electronic warfare and coherent/secure communications, the increasing demands for higher system sensitivity, higher bandwidth, and higher spectral efficiency call for microwave oscillators with lower phase noise and improved frequency diversity/agility. Moreover, mobile and airborne applications require reducing oscillator SWaP.  In this SBIR program, a compact, ultra-low phase noise Ka-band microwave oscillator will be developed based on electro-optical frequency division. The oscillator features unprecedented low phase noise, small footprint, high output power and low power consumption. The frequency agility of the oscillator will also be extended by developing a microwave synthesizer based on the same ultra-low phase noise platform. The innovative architecture will synthesize microwave frequencies over an octave span while maintaining the highest spectral purity.