Since their discovery in 1978 by Hill et al. and the development of the transverse holographic technique for their fabrication by Meltz et al. in 1989, fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) have become an important device for applications in optical communications, optical signal processing and fiber-optical sensors. A superstructured fiber Bragg grating (SFBG), also called a sampled fiber Bragg grating, is a special FBG that consists of a several small FBGs placed in close proximity to one another. SFBGs have attracted much attention in recent years with the discovery of techniques allowing the creation of equivalent chirp or equivalent phase shifts. The biggest advantage of an SFBG with equivalent chirp or equivalent phase shifts is the possibility to design and fabricate gratings with greatly varying phase and amplitude responses by adjusting the spatial profile of the superstructure. The realization of SFBGs with equivalent chirp or equivalent phase shifts requires only sub-millimeter precision. This is a relief from the sub-micron precision required by traditional approaches. In this thesis, the mathematical modeling of FBGs and SFBGs is reviewed. The use of SFBGs for various applications in photonic microwave signal processing is considered. Four main topics are presented in this thesis. The first topic is the use of SFBG as a photonic true-time delay (TTD) beamformer for phased array antennas (PAAs). The second topic addresses non-linearities in the group delay response of an SFBG with equivalent chirp in its sampling period. An SFBG with an equivalent chirp using only a linear chirp coefficient may yield a group delay response that deviates from the linear response required by a TTD beamformer. In the thesis, a technique to improve the linearity of the group delay response is proposed and an adaptive algorithm to find the optimal linear and non-linear chirp coefficients to produce the best linear group delay response is described. Since no closed-form solution exists to represent the amplitude and phase responses of an SFBG, we rely on a Fourier transform analogy under a weak grating approximation as a starting point in the design of an SFBG. Simulations are then used to refine the response of the SFBG. The algorithm proposed provides an optimal set of chirp coefficients that minimizes the error in the group delay response. Four gratings are fabricated using the optimized chirp coefficients and their application in a TTD PAA system is discussed. The third topic discusses the use of an SFBG with equivalent phase shifts in its sampling period as a means to realize optical single sideband (SSB) modulation. SSB modulation eliminates the power penalty caused by chromatic dispersion experienced by an optical signal traveling through a long length of optical fiber. By introducing two π phase shifts through equivalent sampling to the SFBG, two ultra-narrow transmission bands are created in the grating stop band of the +/- 1st spectral orders. In the proposed system, a double-sideband plus carrier (DSB+C) modulated optical signal is sent to the input of an optical SSB filter based on the equivalent phase-shift SFBG in order to select the optical carrier and a single sideband, effectively blocking one sideband from propagating. Finally, the fourth topic focuses on the implementation of a photonic microwave bandpass filter based on an SFBG with equivalent chirp. Photonic microwave filters are used to process microwave signals in the optical domain. By using a technique called phase-modulation to intensity-modulation (PM-IM) conversion, a two-tap delay line filter is created with one negative tap. A single SFBG with a chirp in its sampling period is used as a means to achieve the PM-IM conversion for the two taps. Two phase modulated optical carriers are used to generate the two taps, each entering a different port of the SFBG and thus experiencing an opposite dispersion value. The two optical signals are then recombined before being sent to a photodetector (PD) where the filtered microwave signal is recovered.

Les meilleurs oscillateurs dans le domaine micro-onde sont souvent des systèmes encombrants ou requérant une maintenance fastidieuse ce qui freine leur utilisation pour des applications mobiles ou dans des environnements aux conditions difficiles. L'avènement des peignes de fréquences optiques, récompensés par un prix Nobel en 2005, a ouvert de nouvelles perspectives en permettant un transfert des qualités inégalées des sources optiques vers le domaine micro-onde. Dans la technique utilisée au LNE-SYRTE, la division de fréquence optique, un signal micro-onde peut être extrait d'un laser ultra-stable dans l'infrarouge proche par photodétection, ce qui s'accompagne d'une réduction du bruit égale au carré du rapport des fréquences initiale et finale, soit plus de 8 ordres de grandeurs. Ce bénéfice est cependant réduit par différents processus collatéraux qui augmentent le niveau de bruit final. Le travail décrit dans cette thèse est la génération et la caractérisation du signal micro-onde le plus pur généré jusqu'à présent. Les différents processus introduisant un excès de bruit lors de la conversion opto-éléctronique sont étudiés et en partie surmontés. En particulier la conversion du bruit d'amplitude du laser femtoseconde vers la porteuse micro-onde est analysée en détail et son effet grandement réduit. Les résultats obtenus laissent penser que les techniques optiques de génération de micro-ondes vont bouleverser l'état de l'art. Les niveaux de pureté atteints et les techniques développées peuvent bénéficier un vaste éventail de domaines comme les radars mobiles, la métrologie temps-fréquence ou les prochaines générations de télécommunications à ultra-haut débit. / State-of-the-art microwave oscillators are typically bulky systems requiring tedious maintenance which is hindering their use in mobile applications or in demanding environments. The invention of the optical frequency combs, which was awarded a Nobel prize in 2005, was a game-changer as it enabled a high-fidelity transfer of the unrivalled properties of optical oscillators to the microwave domain. In the technique used at SYRTE, the optical frequency division, a microwave signal can be extracted from a near-infrared ultra-stable laser using photodetection. The transfer is accompanied by a reduction of phase noise equal to the microwave-to-optical frequency ratio squared, i.e. more than eight order of magnitudes. This benefit is however reduced by several processes producing excess noise during the transfer. The work described in this thesis is the generation of the lowest phase noise microwave signal ever reported. The different processes inducing excess noise are analyzed and, in part, overcome. Specifically, the conversion of the femtosecond laser intensity noise to the microwave phase noise is studied thoroughly and its effect significantly reduced. The results augur that the optical approaches in microwave generation are on the verge to disrupt the state-of-the-art. The noise levels demonstrated and the techniques developed can benefit a large range of applications such as mobile radars, time and frequency metrology or the next generation of ultrafast telecommunication networks.

L'avancement de la communication numérique optique dans les réseaux longue distance et d'accès a déclenché les technologies émergentes dans le domaine micro-ondes / ondes millimétriques. Ces systèmes hybrides sont fortement influencés non seulement par les déficiences de liens optiques mais aussi des effets de circuits électriques. Les effets optiques et électriques peuvent être ainsi étudiés en même temps en utilisant des outils assistés par ordinateur en développant des modèles de circuit équivalent de l'ensemble des composants de liaison tels que les lasers à semi-conducteurs, modulateurs, photo-détecteurs et fibre optique. Dans cette thèse, les représentations de circuit des composants de liaison photoniques sont développées pour étudier des architectures différentes. Depuis la source de lumière optique est le principal facteur limitant de la liaison optique, une attention particulière est accordée aux caractéristiques, y compris les plus importants de simples lasers en mode semi-conducteurs. Le modèle de circuit équivalent de laser qui représente l'enveloppe du signal optique est modifié pour inclure les propriétés de bruit de phase du laser. Cette modification est particulièrement nécessaire d'étudier les systèmes où le bruit de phase optique est important. Ces systèmes comprennent des systèmes de télécommande hétérodynes optiques et des systèmes auto-hétérodynes optiques. Les résultats de mesure des caractéristiques de laser sont comparés aux résultats de simulation afin de valider le modèle de circuit équivalent dans des conditions différentes. Il est démontré que le modèle de circuit équivalent peut prédire avec précision les comportements des composants pour les simulations au niveau du système. Pour démontrer la capacité du modèle de circuit équivalent de la liaison photonique pour analyser les systèmes micro-ondes / ondes millimétriques, le nouveau modèle de circuit du laser avec les modèles comportementaux des autres composants sont utilisés pour caractériser différents radio sur fibre (RoF) liens tels que la modulation d'intensité - détection directe (IM-DD) et les systèmes RoF hétérodynes optique. Signal sans fil avec des spécifications conformes à la norme de IEEE 802.15.3c pour la bande de fréquence à ondes millimétriques est transmis sur les liens RoF. La performance du système est analysée sur la base de l'évaluation de l'EVM. L'analyse montre que l'analyse efficace des systèmes de photonique micro-ondes / ondes millimétriques est obtenue en utilisant des modèles de circuit qui nous permet de prendre en compte les comportements à la fois électriques et optiques en même temps / The advancement of digital optical communication in the long-haul and access networks has triggered emerging technologies in the microwave/millimeter-wave domain. These hybrid systems are highly influenced not only by the optical link impairments but also electrical circuit effects. The optical and electrical effects can be well studied at the same time using computer aided tools by developing equivalent circuit models of the whole link components such as semiconductor lasers, modulators, photo detectors and optical fiber. In this thesis, circuit representations of the photonic link components are developed to study different architectures. Since the optical light source is the main limiting factor of the optical link, particular attention is given to including the most important characteristics of single mode semiconductor lasers. The laser equivalent circuit model which represents the envelope of the optical signal is modified to include the laser phase noise properties. This modification is particularly necessary to study systems where the optical phase noise is important. Such systems include optical remote heterodyne systems and optical self-heterodyne systems. Measurement results of the laser characteristics are compared with simulation results in order to validate the equivalent circuit model under different conditions. It is shown that the equivalent circuit model can precisely predict the component behaviors for system level simulations. To demonstrate the capability of the equivalent circuit model of the photonic link to analyze microwave/millimeter-wave systems, the new circuit model of the laser along with the behavioral models of other components are used to characterize different radio-over-fiber (RoF) links such as intensity modulation – direct detection (IM-DD) and optical heterodyne RoF systems. Wireless signal with specifications complying with IEEE 802.15.3c standard for the millimeter-wave frequency band is transmitted over the RoF links. The system performance is analyzed based on EVM evaluation. The analysis shows that effective analysis of microwave/millimeter-wave photonics systems is achieved by using circuit models which allows us to take into account both electrical and optical behaviors at the same time

Since their discovery in 1978 by Hill et al. and the development of the transverse holographic technique for their fabrication by Meltz et al. in 1989, fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) have become an important device for applications in optical communications, optical signal processing and fiber-optical sensors. A superstructured fiber Bragg grating (SFBG), also called a sampled fiber Bragg grating, is a special FBG that consists of a several small FBGs placed in close proximity to one another. SFBGs have attracted much attention in recent years with the discovery of techniques allowing the creation of equivalent chirp or equivalent phase shifts. The biggest advantage of an SFBG with equivalent chirp or equivalent phase shifts is the possibility to design and fabricate gratings with greatly varying phase and amplitude responses by adjusting the spatial profile of the superstructure. The realization of SFBGs with equivalent chirp or equivalent phase shifts requires only sub-millimeter precision. This is a relief from the sub-micron precision required by traditional approaches. In this thesis, the mathematical modeling of FBGs and SFBGs is reviewed. The use of SFBGs for various applications in photonic microwave signal processing is considered. Four main topics are presented in this thesis. The first topic is the use of SFBG as a photonic true-time delay (TTD) beamformer for phased array antennas (PAAs). The second topic addresses non-linearities in the group delay response of an SFBG with equivalent chirp in its sampling period. An SFBG with an equivalent chirp using only a linear chirp coefficient may yield a group delay response that deviates from the linear response required by a TTD beamformer. In the thesis, a technique to improve the linearity of the group delay response is proposed and an adaptive algorithm to find the optimal linear and non-linear chirp coefficients to produce the best linear group delay response is described. Since no closed-form solution exists to represent the amplitude and phase responses of an SFBG, we rely on a Fourier transform analogy under a weak grating approximation as a starting point in the design of an SFBG. Simulations are then used to refine the response of the SFBG. The algorithm proposed provides an optimal set of chirp coefficients that minimizes the error in the group delay response. Four gratings are fabricated using the optimized chirp coefficients and their application in a TTD PAA system is discussed. The third topic discusses the use of an SFBG with equivalent phase shifts in its sampling period as a means to realize optical single sideband (SSB) modulation. SSB modulation eliminates the power penalty caused by chromatic dispersion experienced by an optical signal traveling through a long length of optical fiber. By introducing two π phase shifts through equivalent sampling to the SFBG, two ultra-narrow transmission bands are created in the grating stop band of the +/- 1st spectral orders. In the proposed system, a double-sideband plus carrier (DSB+C) modulated optical signal is sent to the input of an optical SSB filter based on the equivalent phase-shift SFBG in order to select the optical carrier and a single sideband, effectively blocking one sideband from propagating. Finally, the fourth topic focuses on the implementation of a photonic microwave bandpass filter based on an SFBG with equivalent chirp. Photonic microwave filters are used to process microwave signals in the optical domain. By using a technique called phase-modulation to intensity-modulation (PM-IM) conversion, a two-tap delay line filter is created with one negative tap. A single SFBG with a chirp in its sampling period is used as a means to achieve the PM-IM conversion for the two taps. Two phase modulated optical carriers are used to generate the two taps, each entering a different port of the SFBG and thus experiencing an opposite dispersion value. The two optical signals are then recombined before being sent to a photodetector (PD) where the filtered microwave signal is recovered.

[ES] La fotónica de microondas, la cual une los mundos de la ingeniería de radiofrecuencia y la optoelectrónica, ha generado un gran interés en las últimas décadas. Su valor añadido se deriva del hecho de que, por un lado, permite la realización de funcionalidades clave en los sistemas de microondas que son complejas o directamente imposibles en el dominio de la radiofrecuencia. Por otro lado, crea nuevas oportunidades para los sistemas y redes de información y comunicación. Por lo tanto, la fotónica de microondas se utiliza para habilitar funciones especializadas como generación de señales de alta frecuencia, modulación, procesamiento de señales, particularmente en aplicaciones de comunicación, radar y detección. En el contexto de la fotónica programable, la versatilidad surge al permitir la manipulación dinámica de las señales de luz, haciéndolas adaptables para propósitos genéricos a través de redes ópticas, computación óptica, óptica adaptativa, investigación y desarrollo y fotónica cuántica. Por lo que, proporciona una plataforma flexible para aplicaciones ópticas, mostrando funciones complementarias a la tecnología fotónica moderna. Por lo tanto, los circuitos integrados fotónicos programables proponen y prometen ser una solución para competir con diseños específicos de aplicaciones. Sin embargo, las demostraciones actuales y las pruebas de concepto solo han integrado un número limitado de componentes y representan circuitos de complejidad pequeña y moderada. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo responder a las preguntas relacionadas con la escalabilidad del sistema y la evolución de futuros circuitos integrados fotónicos programables. El análisis y propuesta de soluciones constará de dos partes principales: la primera estudiará la escalabilidad de los circuitos programables en términos de integración de sistemas, incluyendo un estudio exhaustivo de las interfaces ópticas. En segundo lugar, debido a la necesidad de compensación de pérdidas que surge al utilizar fotónica integrada, consideraremos el rendimiento de modelos analíticos de fotónica de microondas de extremo a extremo con enlaces amplificados (balance de potencia óptica, ruido de señal, indicadores clave de rendimiento de enlaces fotónicos de microondas y consumo de energía). Una vez completado, utilizaremos diseños de complejidad moderada para evaluar nuestros estimadores de rendimiento tanto para el procesamiento de señales ópticas como para aplicaciones fotónicas de microondas. / [CA] La fotònica de micrones, la qual uneix els mons de l'enginyeria de radiofreqüència i l'optoelectrònica, ha generat un gran interés en les últimes dècades. El seu valor afegit es deriva del fet que, d'una banda, permet la realització de funcionalitats clau en els sistemes de microones que són complexes o directament impossibles en el domini de la radiofreqüència. D'altra banda, crea noves oportunitats per als sistemes i xarxes d'informació i comunicació. Per tant, la fotònica de microones s'utilitza per a habilitar funcions especialitzades com a generació de senyals d'alta freqüència, modulació, processament de senyals, particularment en aplicacions de comunicació, radar i detecció. En el context de la fotònica programable, la versatilitat sorgeix en permetre la manipulació dinàmica dels senyals de llum, fent-les adaptables per a propòsits genèrics a través de xarxes òptiques, computació òptica, òptica adaptativa, recerca i desenvolupament i fotònica quàntica. Pel que, proporciona una plataforma flexible per a aplicacions òptiques, mostrant funcions complementàries a la tecnologia fotònica moderna. Per tant, els circuits integrats fotònics programables proposen i prometen ser una solució per a competir amb dissenys específics d'aplicacions. No obstant això, les demostracions actuals i les proves de concepte sol han integrat un nombre limitat de components i representen circuits de complexitat xicoteta i moderada. Aquest treball té com a objectiu respondre a les preguntes relacionades amb l'escalabilitat del sistema i l'evolució de futurs circuits integrats fotònics programables. L'anàlisi i proposta de solucions constarà de dues parts principals: la primera estudiarà l'escalabilitat dels circuits programables en termes d'integració de sistemes, incloent-hi un estudi exhaustiu de les interfícies òptiques. En segon lloc, a causa de la necessitat de compensació de pèrdues que sorgeix quan s'utilitza fotònica integrada, considerarem el rendiment de models analítics de fotònica de microones d'extrem a extrem amb enllaços amplificats (balanç de potència òptica, soroll de senyal, indicadors clau de rendiment d'enllaços fotònics de microones i consum d'energia). Una vegada completat, utilitzarem dissenys de complexitat moderada per a avaluar els nostres estimadors de rendiment tant per al processament de senyals òptics com per a aplicacions fotòniques de microones. / [EN] Microwave photonics brings together the worlds of radiofrequency engineering and optoelectronics and it has attracted great interest in the last few decades. It added value stems from the fact that, on one hand, it enables the realization of key functionalities in microwave systems that either are complex or even not directly possible in the radiofrequency domain. On the other hand, it creates new opportunities for information and communication systems and networks. Hence, microwave photonics is used to enable specialized functions such as high-frequency signal generation, modulation, and signal processing, particularly in communication, radar, and sensing applications. In the context of programmable photonics, versatility emerges by allowing dynamic manipulation of light signals, making them adaptable for generic purposes across optical networks, optical computing, adaptive optics, research and development, and quantum photonics. Then, it provides a flexible platform for optical applications, showcasing their complementary roles in modern photonics technology. Hence, programmable photonic integrated circuits have been recently proposed and promise to be a solution to compete with application-specific designs. However, current demonstrations and proof-of-concepts have only integrated a limited number of components and represent small and moderate-complex circuits. This work aims to answer the questions dealing with the system scalability and evolution of future programmable photonic integrated circuits. The analysis and proposal of solutions will include two main parts: the first one will study the scalability of programmable circuits in terms of system integration, including a comprehensive study of optical interfacing. Secondly, due to the need for loss compensation that arises when using integrated photonics, we will consider the performance of end-to-end analytical microwave photonics models with amplified links (optical power budget, signal noise, microwave photonic links key performance indicators, and power consumption). Once completed, we will make use of moderate complexity designs to evaluate our performance estimators for both optical signal processing and microwave photonic applications. / Sánchez Gomariz, E. (2024). Scalability Analysis and Designs for Large-Scale Programmable RF-Photonic Integrated Circuits: Modelling, Design and Implementation [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/202894

The demand of smaller and portable electronic devices has contributed to the realisation of compact embedded systems using PCB miniaturization techniques. The commercial market is faced with competition of handheld users’ devices in medical, communication and automotive industries which are smaller and lighter electronic devices. The possibilities of higher degree of integration in planar technology using cost effective electronic components has lead to different art of design and fabrication of compact units. In this work, a central station and a base station front-end with small form factor have been realized using commercial components on PCBs. These electronic compacts units were integrated in the IF-over-Fiber system architecture. The IF-over-Fiber architecture comprised of miniaturized electronic components for quadrature modulation and upconversion. The central station supports multi-Gbps data rate modulation formats in order to increase the spectral efficiency of the transmitted information. Multilevel modulation formats are considered spectrally efficient and can double the transmission capacity by transmitting more information in the amplitude, phase, polarization or a combination of all. The BS front-end comprises of the 60 GHz upconverter and a 60 GHz planar 2×2 microstrip antenna. The 10 GHz IF carrier allows an optical transmission with higher spectral efficiency in optical domain, as well as it is less susceptible to dispersion induced power fading inherent in optical fiber. Characterization of the designed central station and base station front-end through measurements are presented and discussed. The IF-over-Fiber system analysis is made for the 2 Gbps QPSK transmission with respect to error vector magnitude (EVM), eye and constellation diagrams.

Le contrôle de la différence de fréquence entre deux lasers est un défi transversal à de nombreux domaines de la photonique, que ce soit dans un but de génération hétérodyne d'un battement micro-onde de grande pureté, ou pour des expériences de métrologie ou de télécommunication. L'avancée des connaissances sur la dynamique de lasers soumis à divers couplages a permis le développement de méthodes de stabilisation basées sur l'injection optique. Nous étudions ici théoriquement et expérimentalement un mécanisme appelé réinjection décalée en fréquence (RDF), qui permet dans des situations variées de contrôler précisément la différence de fréquence entre deux lasers. Dans un premier temps, la méthode RDF est appliquée à un laser à état solide bi-polarisation bi-fréquence Nd:YAG afin de verrouiller en phase ses deux modes de polarisation orthogonaux. Le développement d'un modèle type «rate equations» en bonne adéquation avec les expériences a aussi permis de mettre en lumière un certain nombre de régimes de synchronisation partielle dits de phase bornée. De plus, nous montrons que cet état peut subsister en présence d'oscillations chaotiques de l'intensité et de la phase. Le comportement du laser sous RDF est étudié pour différentes valeurs du désaccord de fréquence, du taux d'injection, du retard éventuel, et du couplage inter-modes. Enfin, la nécessité d'inclure un couplage phase-amplitude (facteur de Henry non-nul) dans le modèle a mené au développement d'une méthode pour mesurer ce coefficient habituellement négligé dans les lasers solides. Le mécanisme de stabilisation par RDF est ensuite appliqué à un composant semiconducteur original contenant deux lasers DFB sur InP. Malgré une plus grand complexité du schéma de couplage, et la présence de retards effectifs importants, il reste possible de synchroniser en phase ces lasers. Des bandes d'accrochages liées au retard sont observées, et reproduites à l'aide d'un modèle numérique. Ce dernier permet aussi de déterminer les conditions de fonctionnement minimisant l'influence de paramètres expérimentaux non maîtrisés. Enfin, ce système, permettant de contrôler une phase micro-onde sur porteuse optique, peut être intégré dans une boucle résonante de type oscillateur opto-électronique (OEO) qui ne nécessite pas de référence externe. On réalise un oscillateur micro-onde sur porteuse optique auto-référencé, à bande latérale unique, ayant des performances encourageantes. Dans ce cadre, il semble que la plupart des techniques développées pour les OEO puissent être réinvesties. / The control of the frequency difference between two lasers is a cross-cutting challenge in many fields of photonics, either for the generation of high-purity heterodyne microwave beatnotes, or in metrology and telecommunication experiments. The advances of the comprehension of laser dynamics under various couplings has allowed to develop stabilization methods based on optical injection. We study here theoretically and experimentally a mechanism called frequency-shifted feedback (FSF), which allows to precisely control the frequency difference between two lasers in several situations.First, the FSF method is applied to a dual-frequency dual-polarization solid-state Nd:YAG laser, in order to lock the phases of its two orthogonal polarization modes. A model of rate equations is used to precisely describe the experiment, and allows to highlight partial "bounded phase" synchronization regimes. Furthermore, we show that in some cases this synchronization can subsist even with chaotic oscillations of the intensity and phase. The behavior of the laser under FSF is studied for varying values of the frequency detuning, injection rate, possible injection delay, and mode coupling in the active medium. Finally, we find that the inclusion of a phase-amplitude coupling (non-zero linewidth enhancement factor) is needed in the model to account for experimental observation. This leads to the development of an ad-hoc technique to measure the low value of this usually neglected factor in solid-laser lasers.The FSF stabilization mechanism is then applied to a custom semiconductor component embedding two DFB lasers overs InP. In spite of a more complex coupling scheme and the large effective delays into play, phase locking of the two lasers is possible. Due to the delay, locking bands appear when the detuning changes, and this behavior can be replicated using a numerical model. This model also permit to determine working conditions minimizing the influence of uncontrolled experimental optical feedback phases. Finally, as this system allows to control a microwave phase over an optical carrier, it can be integrated in a resonant loop not unlike an opto-electronic oscillator (OEO). We realized an oscillator generating a self-referenced, single sideband microwave signal over an optical carrier, with encouraging phase noise performances. In this case, it seems that most of the techniques that exist for standard OEO can be reused.

Microwave Photonics(MWP) has been defined as the study of photonic devices which operate at microwave frequencies and also their applications to microwave and optical systems. One or more electrical signals at microwave frequencies are transported over the optic link ,with electrical to optical and optical to electrical conversion on the transmission and receiving side respectively. The key advantages of microwave photonic links over conventional electrical transmission systems such as coaxial cables or waveguides ,includes reduced size, weight and cost, immunity to electromagnetic interference ,low dispersion and high data transfer capacity. Integrated Optics is the name given to a new generation of opto-electronic systems in which the familiar wires and cables are replaced by light-waveguiding optical fibers, and conventional integrated circuits are replaced by optical integrated circuits (OICs).Microwave Photonics with photonic integration can add the benefits of reduction in system size, losses, short path lengths leading to more efficient cost effective systems. In this thesis, a new approach for using 1-D linear arrays of curved waveguides as delay lines is presented. We propose a design for a passive phase shifter obtained by curved waveguide delay lines. The modulated RF signal obtains the phase shift in the optical domain which is transferred to the RF signal by heterodyning techniques .This phase shift is independent of the RF frequency and hence the Beam squinting which occurs in the conventional RF phase shifter systems is avoided in the proposed system. Switching between different lengths of the bent/curved waveguides can produce variable phase shifts ranging from 0 to 2 radians. The use of curved waveguides for delay generation and optimization of various parameters are the main topics of the research problem. The need for delay line is large and most of these were implemented previously using long optical fiber cables. More precise delays could be obtained by using waveguide delay lines as compared to fiber delay lines. Waveguides paves way for design in smaller dimensions ranging from m to nm in integrated optics. The differential phase shift for a signal propagating in a waveguide from waveguide theory is given as which clearly indicates that the differential phase shifts could be obtained in accordance with differential path lengths Δl with β as the propagation constant. S-bend waveguide sections of different lengths along with straight waveguide as reference for each section are employed. The phase delay is passively obtained by a differential path length change, where various phase shift values can be obtained by switching between different differential path lengths. Since the optical phase delay generated is in- dependent of the input RF frequency. A shift in the RF frequency, at the input will not change the phase or beam pointing angle when the phase shifter is employed for beam pointing in case of Phased Array Antenna applications. A 1-bit phase shifter is the firrst step in the design which could be further extended to n-bit phase shifter. Here 1-bit or n-bit ,is one where n can take any integer value. Each bit is composed of a reference phase signal pathway and a delayed phase signal pathway. When the optical signal goes every single bit through the reference phase the phase shift is ‘0’ radians ,the other is through the delayed path which is . For every n-bit, 2n delays can be obtained. For the 1-bit,2 delays are obtained. Switching between the path lengths is done using the directional coupler switches. Th optimization of different parameters of the S-bend waveguide delay line has been realized and studied. The design and optimisation of a 1-bit optical RF phase shifter is discussed which could be extended to n-bit phase shifters. These S-bends are studied analytically. Beam Propagation Method (BPM)is employed for modeling and simulation of the proposed device. An interferometric configuration is considered for practical measurement of optical phase. In this configuration the phase change is translated into amplitude or intensity measurement. One of the arms of the Maczehdner Interferometer has no path length change while the other arm has an S-bend structure which provides the path length difference as compared to the reference path, and hence produces the necessary phase shift at the output of the interferometer as required. By changing the path length difference between the two arms of the interferometer ,a change in intensity is produced at the output of the interferometer. In this study, integrated optic curved waveguide delay line phase shifters are designed and analyzed, considering the Titanium Di used Lithium Niobate Technology. This is because it has good electro-optic properties necessary for designing switches used for switching between delay segments. Practical parameters that can be fabricated are employed in the design and simulation studies reported here. Fabrication is also done using the Lithium Niobate Technology. However the fabrication studies are excluded from the main stream, as further fabrication studies are necessary to realise the actual devices de- signed. The fabrication aspects are left as scope for further development. The fabricated devices are shown as appendix to the thesis. Organisation of the thesis Chapter 1 gives the introduction to the fields of Microwave Photonics and Integrated optics and its applications. Chapter 2discusses the curved waveguide theory and design with coverage of materials and methods employed in the proposed system. Chapter 3 discusses the different types of delay lines and the design of the 1-bit phase shifter which can be extended to the design of a n-bit phase shifter with both analytical and simulation results. Chapter 4 discusses the method of phase measurement for the n-bit phase shifter and the possible applications where the phase shifter could be employed. Chapter 5 discusses conclusions and future work in the proposed area of work. Appendix A discusses the loss calculations for the Cosine S-bend waveguide. Appendix B gives the fabrication details. The references form the end part of the thesis.

[ES] Las fibras de multiplexación por división espacial surgieron en la última década como solución al cuello de botella en la capacidad en las redes de comunicación de fibra óptica monomodo. Utilizan el espacio, la última técnica de multiplexación en comunicaciones ópticas, para aumentar la capacidad total en comunicaciones digitales al tiempo que reducen las necesidades de espacio. Las fibras multinúcleo, un tipo de fibras de multiplexación por división espacial compuestas por varios núcleos individuales dentro de la misma cubierta, son prometedoras para las comunicaciones de largo alcance por su compatibilidad inmediata con las redes de fibra actuales. Además, las fibras multinúcleo han despertado interés en otros campos de aplicación, como las interconexiones de centros de datos, las comunicaciones cuánticas, las redes de acceso radio y la Fotónica de Microondas. Además, estas fibras presentan un gran potencial no sólo para la distribución de señales, sino también para su procesado. Las funcionalidades de procesado de señal pueden beneficiarse significativamente del uso de estas fibras en términos de compacidad y peso, garantizando al mismo tiempo versatilidad, reconfigurabilidad y rendimiento estable de banda ancha. En esta Tesis, proponemos la explotación del paralelismo inherente que se encuentra en las fibras multinúcleo para implementar el procesado distribuido de señales ópticas y de microondas. En primer lugar, estudiamos la realización de un componente óptico clave en el procesado de señales en Fotónica de Microondas, la línea de retardo en tiempo real muestreada, con fibras multinúcleo heterogéneas. Esto comprende la validación del rendimiento de una fibra heterogénea de 7 núcleos previamente fabricada, la demostración experimental de las funcionalidades de procesado de señales de microondas; incluyendo el filtrado de señales, la conformación óptica de haces y la generación de formas de onda arbitrarias; y el diseño y fabricación de una fibra heterogénea de 19 núcleos que se comporta como una línea de retardo en tiempo real sintonizable. Esta fibra se fabricó escalando 3 preformas diferentes, cada una con un perfil de índice refractivo específico, para obtener núcleos con unas características de propagación determinadas. Por último, proponemos diferentes diseños de fibras multinúcleo heterogéneas específicos para aplicaciones novedosas de distribución y procesado de señales ópticas, incluyendo la distribución de claves cuánticas, la compensación paralela de la dispersión cromática y los efectos Talbot temporales paralelos. / [CA] Les fibres de multiplexació per divisió espacial van sorgir en la darrera dècada per a solucionar el coll de botella en la capacitat de les xarxes de comunicació de fibra òptica monomode. Utilitzen l'espai, l'última tècnica de multiplexació en comunicacions òptiques, per a incrementar la capacitat total en comunicacions digitals al mateix temps que redueixen les necessitats espacials. Les fibres multinucli, un tipus de fibres de multiplexació per divisió espacial compostes per diversos nuclis individuals situats dins la mateixa coberta, són prometedores per a les comunicacions de llarg abast per la immediata compatibilitat amb les xarxes de fibra òptica actuals. Per aquest motiu, les fibres multinucli han despertat interès en altres àmbits d'aplicació, com les interconnexions de centres de dades, les comunicacions quàntiques, les xarxes d'accés radio i la Fotònica de Microones. A més, aquestes fibres presenten un gran potencial no només per a la distribució de senyals, sinó també per al seu processament. Les funcionalitats de processament de senyals poden beneficiar-se significativament del seu ús en relació a la compacitat i al pes, mentre garanteixen versatilitat, reconfigurabilitat i rendiment estable de banda ampla. En aquesta Tesi, proposem l'explotació del paral·lelisme inherent de les fibres multinucli per a implementar processament distribuït de senyals òptiques i de microones. En primer lloc, estudiem la realització d'un component òptic clau en el processament de senyals en la Fotònica de Microones, la línia de retard en temps real mostrejada, amb fibres multinucli heterogènies. Això comprèn la validació del rendiment d'una fibra de heterogènia 7 nuclis fabricada prèviament, la demostració experimental de les funcionalitats de processament de senyals de microones sobre aquesta mateixa fibra; la qual cosa inclou el filtrat de senyals, la conformació òptica de feixos i la generació de formes d'ona arbitràries; i el disseny i fabricació d'una fibra heterogènia de 19 nuclis que es comporta com una línia de retard en temps real sintonitzable. Aquesta fibra es va fabricar escalant 3 preformes diferents, cadascuna amb un perfil d'índex refractiu específic, per obtindre nuclis amb característiques de propagació determinades. Per últim, proposem diversos dissenys específics de fibres multinucli heterogènies per a aplicacions innovadores de distribució i processament de senyals òptiques, incloent la distribució de claus quàntiques, la compensació paral·lela de la dispersió cromàtica i els efectes Talbot temporals en paral·lel. / [EN] Space-division multiplexing fibers emerged in the last decade as a solution to the capacity bottleneck in single-mode optical fiber communication networks. They utilize space, the last multiplexing technique in optical communications, to increase the total capacity in digital communications whilst reducing space needs. Multicore fibers, a type of space-division multiplexing fibers comprised of multiple individual cores within the same cladding, are promising for long-reach communications because of their immediate compatibility with current fiber networks. Moreover, multicore fibers have raised interest in other fields of application such as data-center interconnects, quantum communications, radio access networks and Microwave Photonics. Apart from that, these fibers exhibit great potential not only for signal distribution but also for signal processing. Signal processing functionalities can benefit significantly from using these fibers in terms of compactness and weight, while assuring broadband versatility, reconfigurability, and performance stability. In this Thesis, we propose the exploitation of the inherent parallelism found in multicore fibers to implement distributed signal processing for optical and microwave signals. First, we study the realization of a key optical component in Microwave Photonics signal processing, the sampled true-time delay line, with heterogeneous multicore fibers. This comprises the performance validation of a previously fabricated heterogeneous 7-core fiber, the experimental demonstration of microwave signal processing functionalities including signal filtering, optical beamforming, and arbitrary waveform generation, and the design and fabrication of a heterogeneous 19-core fiber that behaves as a tunable true-time delay line. This fiber was fabricated by scaling down 3 different preforms, each with a specific refractive index profile, with a different ratio to obtain cores with determined propagation characteristics. Lastly, we propose different custom heterogeneous multicore fiber designs for novel optical signal distribution and processing applications, including quantum key distribution, parallel chromatic dispersion compensation and parallel temporal Talbot effects. / Ureña Gisbert, M. (2023). Novel Multicore Optical Fibers for Signal Distribution and Processing [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/196862

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