ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introductory overview on the field of microwave photonics and its significance for different microwave techniques. It devotes to the underlying principles of microwave optical interaction devices starting with the basics of optically vertical and optical waveguide structures. The chapter discusses lumped elements as well as traveling wave devices. It utilizes the so-called family of microwave photonic component includes two-port devices such as photodetectors (PDs), laser diodes (LDs), and light-emitting diodes, and three-port devices such as modulators, mixers, and extra, where different physical interactions. The chapter also discusses recent advances in electro-absorption (EA) devices such as EA modulators, EA transceivers, and EA mixers as well as high-speed PDs and mixers. It addresses monolithic optoelectronic integration of different functions and photonic integrated circuits as well as fiber–chip coupling techniques. The chapter examines a few most interesting examples of photonic microwave signal generation and processing components and modules.
