In this paper, the manipulation of light properties in the pure optical domain and its limits are briefly reviewed, followed by the general descriptions of the advantages and the feasibility of altering the light properties by using RF signals. The principles of manipulating light, including continuous wave (CW) light and pulsed light sources, are introduced, respectively. Several research systems which have recently emerged for potential applications in optical communication and optical sensing networks are discussed in order to demonstrate the understanding of how light can be modified by RF signals.

Date Published: 27 March 2013
PDF: 17 pages
Proc. SPIE 8624, Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications VI, 86240B (27 March 2013); doi: 10.1117/12.2020723

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8624:
Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications VI
Laurence P. Sadwick; Créidhe M. O'Sullivan, Editor(s)