High output RF signal power photonic microwave phase shifter with amplitude and phase control functions

A new photonic microwave phase shifter that can realize the continuous 0°-360° phase shift with high output RF signal power is presented. It is based on controlling the phase of the two RF modulation sidebands of the phase modulated optical signals. The use of the two RF modulation sidebands, instead of the single sideband in most conventional phase shifters, has the advantage of high output RF signal power. The new photonic microwave phase shifter also has the ability to control the output RF signal amplitude. Experimental results are presented that verify the new concept.