Balanced Optical Microwave Phase Detector (BOMPD)

The fully-automated BOMPD precisely detects the time delay between an optical pulse train, and the zero-crossings of a microwave signal. It generates a baseband signal that is proportional to the timing error between the two inputs, which in turn can be used in a phase locked loop configuration to tightly synchronize a laser to a microwave source or vice versa. Due to its balanced detection scheme, the BOMPD is immune to amplitude fluctuations of both optical and microwave sources and greatly suppresses the AM-PM conversion noise in the photodetection process. Cycle offers two additions to the BOMPD to complement our customers’ applications: RF generation option (which includes a low-noise VCO for generating an RF signal based on an optical clock), low-noise option (down to 5 fs synchronization). Standard optical wavelengths are 800 nm, 1030 nm, and 1550 nm. Please contact one of our timing experts for your customization needs.