200–390 GHz Photonic Terahertz Noise Source

Abstract

In this article, we present a terahertz photonic noise source by photomixing three Gaussian-shaped noise slices from a superluminescent diode. Experimental results demonstrate that terahertz noise with a frequency range of 200–390 GHz can be obtained with an excess noise ratio (ENR) up to 48 ± 4.3 dB, corresponding to an equivalent noise temperature exceeding 10 ⁷ K. Furthermore, the proposed noise source is used to measure the noise figure of a mature mixer product, holding the promise of generating terahertz noise at a higher frequency and with a larger bandwidth. The proposed photonic noise source possesses a high integration and raises the frequency range and the ENR of the noise spectrum to a new level.