Abstract
Microwave frequency-shift keying (FSK) is demonstrated at 800 Mb/s using a low-cost, compact-disk, self-pulsating laser diode. The FM response of the self-pulsation at various drive currents is also given. The response exhibits a 3-dB bandwidth of 700 MHz and is independent of the peak current over a large range of deviations. The results confirm that an inexpensive, self-pulsating, compact-disk laser diode is a viable alternative to conventional microwave oscillators as a microwave subcarrier FSK transmitter with bit rates from 125 to 800 Mb/s, a range unachievable with commercially available microwave oscillators.