A Programmable Photonic RF Memory Supporting Functionally-Integrated Radar Jamming

Photonic RF memory (PRFM) that integrates advanced functions and comprehensive information dimensions is critical for electronic countermeasure applications with high operating frequencies and wide bandwidths. In this paper, we report a novel programmable PRFM supporting ultra-high capacity storage and functionally-integrated radar jamming. On the one hand, the storage capacity and bandwidth scalability are further developed by bandwidth response optimization founded on the signal-carrier separation strategy. On the other hand, the single-false-target (SFT), multi-false-target (MFT), and blinking-false-target (BFT) range-velocity compound jamming functions are enabled by programmable IQ frequency conversion and seamlessly integrated into an all-optical structure for the first time. The switching and convergence of these functions are accomplished using a self-research automatic bias control component. In our experiment, the storage capacity in a high-resolution loop reached a record-breaking 750 μs in the X/Ku-band with less than 8 dB SNR degradation, supplying up to 600 false targets in the range dimension alone. Furthermore, different jamming functions were also successfully demonstrated, with the number of multiple false targets being up to 15 within a 10 dB flatness, and the purity of blinking false targets of 1st to 4th order consistently over 11 dB. The outstanding performance, compact structure, and programmable control make our solution a compelling candidate for future electronic countermeasures.