Processing accuracy of microwave photonic transversal filter signal
processors based on microcombs as a function of different temporal input
signal waveforms
Abstract
 Microwave photonic (MWP) signal processors, which process microwave
signals based on photonic technologies, bring advantages intrinsic to
photonics such as low loss, large processing bandwidth, and strong
immunity to electromagnetic interference. Optical microcombs can offer a
large number of wavelength channels and compact device footprints, which
make them powerful multi-wavelength sources for MWP signal processors to
realize a variety of processing functions. In this paper, we
experimentally demonstrate the capability of microcomb-based MWP signal
processors to handle diverse input signal waveforms. In addition, we
quantify the processing accuracy for different input signal waveforms,
including Gaussian, triangle, parabolic, super Gaussian, and nearly
square waveforms. Finally, we analyze the factors contributing to the
difference in the processing accuracy among the different input
waveforms, and our theoretical analysis well elucidates the experimental
results. These results provide a guidance for microcomb-based MWP signal
processors when processing microwave signals of various waveforms.Â