A tunable photonic RF notch filter based on opto-VLSI technology

In this paper, we propose a novel tunable transversal photonic RF notch filter based on opto‐VLSI technology. By using an array of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) in conjunction with an opto‐VLSI processor, the broadband light source can be spectrally sliced and attenuated, hence realizing a two‐tap RF notch filter with stepwise true‐time delays and variable weights. In addition, the free spectral frequency and notch depth of the RF notch filter can be tuned by driving the opto‐VLSI processor with optimized phase‐only holograms. We experimentally demonstrate the proposed tunable RF notch filter structure and the results show that a notch depth greater than 40 dB can be attained. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1011–1015, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21586