High performance RF filters via bandwidth scaling with Kerr micro-combs

Abstract

We demonstrate high-resolution photonic RF filters using an RF bandwidth scaling approach based on integrated Kerr optical micro-combs. By employing both an active nonlinear micro-ring resonator (MRR) as a high-quality micro-comb source and a passive high-Q MRR to slice the RF spectra modulated on the shaped comb, a large RF instantaneous bandwidth of 4.64 GHz and a high resolution of 117 MHz are achieved, together with a broad RF operation band covering 3.28-19.4 GHz (L to Ku bands) using thermal tuning. We achieve programmable RF transfer functions including binary-coded notch filters and RF equalizing filters with reconfigurable slopes. Our approach is an attractive solution for RF spectral shaping with high performance and flexibility.