Instantaneous microwave frequency measurement using an asymmetric integrated optical waveguide Mach-Zenhder interferometer (AMZI)

A new approach for measurement of microwave frequency by using an integrated optical waveguide asymmetric Mach-Zenhder interferometer (AMZI) is proposed and demonstrated. The microwave frequencies varied from 4 GHz to 18 GHz are measured according to the two output optical powers of the AMZI and their amplitude comparison function (ACF). The corresponding measurement errors are within ±1.9 GHz, ±0.9 GHz and ±1.9 GHz respectively. All the results reveal that such approach has potential capability for measurement of microwave frequency in area of modern electronic warfare.