QuSine Shows Laser-Stabilized 10 GHz Oscillator
The photonic microwave oscillator was demonstrated at European Microwave Week, with OptiLock laser stabilization lowering close-in phase noise.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Quantum Computing
On October 4, 2026, QuSine demonstrated its 10 GHz PureWave PMO10G Photonic Microwave Oscillator at European Microwave Week in London. A live comparison with and without OptiLock, the company's laser-stabilization module, showed improved phase noise close to the carrier.
Why it matters
Low phase noise is a key performance requirement for radar, communications, and precision timing systems, and the demonstration shows laser stabilization can improve oscillator performance at close-in offsets. The company reports performance roughly 10 to 15 dB better than conventional electronic RF sources.
The live demonstration reached approximately -150 dBc/Hz phase noise at a 100 kHz offset on the 10 GHz output, while QuSine has reported -153 dBc/Hz and 9.6 fs integrated timing jitter from 10 Hz to 100 MHz. These are company-reported results, and the stub does not indicate independent verification of them.
The players
QuSine
QuSine is a company developing photonic microwave oscillators and laser-stabilization technology for high-precision RF and timing applications.
Dr. Peter Hertenstein
Dr. Peter Hertenstein is the chief executive officer of QuSine, who presented the live oscillator comparison at European Microwave Week.
The details
At the show, CEO Dr. Peter Hertenstein presented a live side-by-side comparison of the PMO10G oscillator with and without OptiLock, which stabilizes the mode-locked laser that generates the signal. The Keysight SSA-X Signal Source Analyzer was used to analyze the output, and the company's PureWave family is offered at fixed frequencies from 3 to 60 GHz.
Timeline
October 4-9, 2026: European Microwave Week at ExCeL London, where QuSine demonstrated the oscillator.
November 5, 2026: Article published reporting on the demonstration.
The Tech Race
Photonic microwave oscillators are positioned as an alternative to conventional electronic RF sources, with QuSine reporting roughly 10 to 15 dB better close-in phase noise in its demonstration. The approach uses laser stabilization of a mode-locked laser to generate the microwave signal, a different architecture from purely electronic oscillators.
The demonstration points to lower-noise microwave sources that could eventually improve radar, communications, and precision timing equipment. Commercial availability and pricing for the PureWave family were not stated in the source material.
The takeaway
Laser stabilization can meaningfully reduce close-in phase noise in microwave oscillators, a performance gain that matters for demanding RF and timing systems. Engineers evaluating signal sources should compare phase noise at specific offsets rather than relying on headline figures alone.
Further reading
For related coverage of emerging photonic and quantum-adjacent hardware, see Quantum Computing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Everythingrf.
