Abstract: An integrated multi-channel photonic radio-frequency (RF) receiver system includes a master oscillator including a laser source configured to generate laser light. A local oscillator (LO) path may include an LO generator, an LO modulator, an optical LO filter, and an optical amplifier optically coupled to one another to generate an LO signal. Multiple RF-modulation channels are coupled through an optical switch to a number of channel filters and configured to produce a number of filtered RF-modulated optical signals. An optical combiner may combine the LO signal with each filtered RF-modulated optical signal to generate down-converted optical signals. Each channel of the plurality of RF-modulation channels includes a channel laser coupled to a channel modulator, and the LO generator and channel lasers of the RF-modulation channels are fed by the laser light of the master oscillator.

Abstract: An integrated multi-channel photonic radio-frequency (RF) receiver system includes a master oscillator including a laser source configured to generate laser light. A local oscillator (LO) path may include an LO generator, an LO modulator, an optical LO filter, and an optical amplifier optically coupled to one another to generate an LO signal. Multiple RF-modulation channels are coupled through an optical switch to a number of channel filters and configured to produce a number of filtered RF-modulated optical signals. An optical combiner may combine the LO signal with each filtered RF-modulated optical signal to generate down-converted optical signals. Each channel of the plurality of RF-modulation channels includes a channel laser coupled to a channel modulator, and the LO generator and channel lasers of the RF-modulation channels are fed by the laser light of the master oscillator.

Abstract: A spacecraft or other vehicle includes a sources and sinks of light information signals. Light transmission optical fibers are required to exhibit low change in phase delay. Temperature compensated optical fibers provide superior performance by comparison with coaxial cables, but when restrained, the optical fibers do not perform as well. According to an aspect of the invention, the optical fibers are restrained against lateral movement by fixing rings attached to the vehicle body. The fiber-accommodating apertures in the restraining rings are dimensioned to allow the optical fibers to move axially, to rotate andor to expand laterally. The fibers may be in “bundles.

Abstract: A microphotonic circuit includes one or more light control elements such as modulators or switches coupled in polymer waveguides, and controlled by electrical bias fields produced by voltage or light sources. Each modulator or switch includes at least one polymer waveguide having a high-.eta. core and surrounding low-.eta. cladding, to constrain the light. An electrooptic control element is evanescently coupled to the core of the first waveguide by spacing from the core. The coupling between the core and the control element depends upon the relative .eta.s of the core, cladding and electrooptic element. Bias is applied to maintain the electrooptic element in one of at least two possible states, one of which prevents coupling between the electrooptic element and the core, and the other of which permits such coupling. The bias may be applied in the form of electrical voltage or light. In some embodiments of the invention, a second optical waveguide is coupled to the electrooptic element.