Various embodiments are directed to a photonic impulse generator comprising a periodically chirped photonic source a single-frequency photonic source, a photodetector, an optical coupler, and a filter. The optical coupler may be positioned to couple an output of the single-frequency photonic source to an output of the periodically chirped photonic source, resulting in a combined photonic signal. The photodetector may be positioned to receive the combined photonic signal and generate a combined electrical signal. The filter may be in electrical communication with an output of the photodetector to receive the combined electrical signal.