Military microwave fiber optics market forecast

Abstract The idea of modulating an analog signal onto a light beam which is transmitted down an optical fiber is as old as fiber optic communication. It is only in the 1980s, however, that laboratories have focused serious attention on trying to move analog modulation rates into the microwave region, above 1 gigahertz. Progress in microwave fiber optics capability has been dramatic over the past five years, from laboratory curiosity status to 6 GHz production devices in 1984 and 10 GHz production devices in 1986. All the components required for assembling X-band transmission links are now available as standard products.