A detection system includes a photonic module, a radio frequency (RF) module and processing circuitry. The photonic module may be configured to generate an optical tone for modulation in an optical domain prior to conversion to the RF domain. The RF module may be configured to interface with the photonic module to receive a transmission signal converted from the optical domain. The processing circuitry may be configured to interface with the photonic module and RF module to enable an operator to control of the photonic module and the RF module at least with respect to selectively determining a carrier frequency of the optical tone and a modulation technique to be employed with respect to the transmission signal converted from the optical domain.