All-optical linearized Mach-Zehnder modulator
Paul A. Morton, Jacob B. Khurgin, Michael J. Morton
Abstract
A practical, broadband, all-optical linearization concept for a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) is proposed and demonstrated. The unique transmitter design includes an amplitude modulated (AM) standard MZM with two optical outputs, where the alternative (or complimentary) output is combined with the laser carrier to create a linearizing optical local oscillator, which when coherently combined with the AM signal fully cancels 3 rd order intermodulation distortion components. Using this scheme, record linearity is achieved for a non-amplified RF photonic link, with spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of 118.5 dB.Hz 2/3 and 123 dB.Hz 2/3 for single and dual fiber/photodetector schemes.
Topics & Concepts
IntermodulationOpticsDistortion (music)PhysicsDynamic rangeLinearitySpurious-free dynamic rangeLinearizationSpurious relationshipElectro-optic modulatorPhotonicsSIGNAL (programming language)Amplitude modulationModulation (music)Phase modulationNonlinear distortionSignal processingRadio frequencySignal generatorPulse-amplitude modulationOptical modulation amplitudeFrequency modulationOptical modulatorLaserPulse shapingAmplitudeHigh dynamic rangeNonlinear opticsFree-space optical communicationSemiconductor laser theoryOptical communicationTransmitterOptical amplifierRange (aeronautics)Optical filterAdvanced Photonic Communication SystemsOptical Network TechnologiesPhotonic and Optical Devices