In the basic feedback oscillator there are two primary
noise sources, the feedback gain element and the resonator
element. For oscillators operating at microwave frequencies,
resonator topologies can be chosen so that intrinsic short term
resonator noise is negligible compared to noise from the
feedback amplifier. The phase noise of the amplifier
converts to frequency noise in the oscillator [1]. Reducing the
flicker noise of the loop amplifier and increasing the quality
factor (Q) of the resonator are two primary methods of
increasing spectral purity. One approach to increasing the Q
of resonators for the synthesis of low phase noise microwave
oscillators is the photonic delay-line based OEO [2]. RF
photonic links are those that modulate, transmit and
demodulate an optical carrier signal, usually through optical
fiber, with a radio-frequency (RF) signal. The RF photonic
link serves primarily as a long distance, low loss carrier of RF
signals. In 2000, the Defense Advanced Research Project
Agency (DARPA) launched the Radio Frequency Lightwave
Integrated Circuits (RFLICs) program to develop optica