Sinusoidal frequency-modulated waveforms generated by a phase-modulated frequency-shifting loop

We theoretically and experimentally investigate a phase-modulated frequency-shifting loop (PM-FSL) that includes an electro-optic phase modulator (EOPM) and a gain element, and is seeded by a single-frequency laser. By slightly detuning the modulation frequency of the EOPM off an integer multiple of the fundamental loop frequency, we generate an output waveform that exhibits a series of pulse doublets modulated at radio frequency (RF). We prove that the series consists of sinusoidal frequency-modulated (SFM) pulse doublets whose repetition rate and bandwidth are easily reconfigurable. We report the generation of the SFM waveforms with bandwidth above 7 GHz (limited by the detection bandwidth) by simply tuning the input RF tone over a span of a few kHz in the vicinity of 14.58 MHz (the round-trip frequency). The system is modeled using a time-delayed interference model that accounts for the modulation function of the EOPM, the loop delay time, and the detuning parameter. The model explains the formation of SFM pulse doublets and effectively reproduces all the experimental waveforms. This well-defined waveform may find applications in RF-optical signal processing and radar systems.