Microwave photonics

Summary form only given. In the past few years there has been significant progress in photonic components and technology applicable to microwave (analog) systems. Notable advances include high-power lasers and amplifiers, low voltage modulators, and high-power photodetectors. The increase in component capability has led to many microwave photonic demonstrations ranging from high-performance wideband links to true time delay beamforming. These subsystems have strengthened interest in photonics as a viable alternative to conventional electrical techniques. This tutorial presents some of the basics, terminology, current capabilities, and limitations of photonics (primarily for wideband applications).