27.09.2014 Views

PDF (double-sided) - Physics Department, UCSB - University of ...

PDF (double-sided) - Physics Department, UCSB - University of ...

PDF (double-sided) - Physics Department, UCSB - University of ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

6.3.9 Anritsu Microwave Source<br />

The microwave signal that is modulated by the GHz DACs is generated by a<br />

CW microwave generator manufactured by Anritsu. The device is phase-locked<br />

to the GHz DAC board with a 10 MHz reference clock and is controlled by a<br />

computer via GPIB.<br />

6.3.10 Microwave Components<br />

Several <strong>of</strong>f-the-shelf microwave components are used in the setup to shape the<br />

pulses. These consist <strong>of</strong> attenuators, amplifiers, filters, and I/Q mixers.<br />

Attenuators are used to weaken the signal strength without distorting its envelope.<br />

They are frequently used in microwave setups since any component or<br />

connector that is not matched exactly to 50 Ω reflects part <strong>of</strong> the microwaves<br />

passing through it. These reflections need to be damped from the signal to not<br />

distort the final output. An attenuator in line with the <strong>of</strong>fending component can<br />

help reduce this problem since the desired pulse passes through it only once, while<br />

reflections pass through it three or more times and thus get attenuated more.<br />

Amplifiers perform the exact opposite function <strong>of</strong> attenuators: They increase<br />

a signal’s amplitude.<br />

For cost reasons, we have developed our own microwave<br />

amplifier circuits, but <strong>of</strong>f-the-shelf components perform just as well.<br />

120

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!