Estimation of the uncertainty for a phase noise optoelectronic metrology system

Abstract

A configuration of phase noise measurement system operating in X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz) using a photonic delay line as a frequency discriminator is presented in this paper. This system doesn't need any excellent frequency reference and works for any frequency in this band. Oscillator frequency fluctuation is converted to phase frequency fluctuation through the delay line. The measured phase noise includes the Device Under Test (DUT) noise and the instrument background. Then the use of a cross correlation decreases the cross spectrum terms of uncommon phase noise as √(1/m), where m is the average number. Using cross correlation on 500 averages, noise floor of the instrument £(f) becomes respectively-150 and-170 dBc/Hz at 10 1 and 10 4 Hz from the 10 GHz carrier (-90 and-170 dBc/Hz including 2 km delay lines). We then focus on determining uncertainty. There are two categories of uncertainties terms : "type A", statistic contribution such as repeatability and experimental standard deviation; "type B" due to various components and temperature control. Elementary term of uncertainty for repeatability is found to be equal to 0.68 dB. Other elementary terms still have lower contributions. Its leads to a global uncertainty of 1.58 dB at 2σ.

Recent progress in the performances of ultrastable quartz resonators and oscillators

“…For experimental use, uncertainty calculation is better known with a modern way of estimating thanks to Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) edited by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), intergovernmental organization through which Member States act together on matters related to measurement science and measurement standards [36]. Typical uncertainty calculation on phase noise in the RF domain are given in references [37,38].…”

Optoectronic phase noise measurement system with wideband analysis

“…The solid curve shows noise floor (without optical transfer function) respectively better than -150 and -170 dBc/Hz at 10 1 and 10 4 Hz from the 10 GHz carrier [3]. The global uncertainty is estimated better than 2 dB [6]. Principle is schematically represented on Fig.…”

Preliminary investigation in optical resonators based on carbon nano-tube and coupling for optoelectronics

“…We investigate potentialities of CNTs deposited on circle shape to reproduce toroid profile of the periphery of mini-disk resonators for a possible use as an optical resonator for photonics applications [15][16][17]. Linear samples such as lines are studied to assess the coupling parameters between tapered optical fibers and connectors and characterize the propagation through CNTs.…”