학술논문

Linearization of a Dual-Parallel Mach-Zehnder Modulator Using Optical Carrier Band Processing
Document Type
Periodical
Source
Journal of Lightwave Technology J. Lightwave Technol. Lightwave Technology, Journal of. 41(10):2969-2975 May, 2023
Subject
Communication, Networking and Broadcast Technologies
Photonics and Electrooptics
Optical distortion
Radio frequency
Optical modulation
Optical mixing
Optical filters
RF signals
Optical polarization
Electro-optic modulators
linearization
microwave photonics
optics
Language
ISSN
0733-8724
1558-2213
Abstract
The linearization of a microwave photonic link based on a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator is theoretically described and experimentally demonstrated. Up to four different radio frequency tones are considered in the study, which allow us to provide a complete mathematical description of all third-order distortion terms that arise at the photodetector. Simulations show that a complete linearization is obtained by properly tuning the DC bias voltages and processing the optical carrier band. As a result, a suppression of 17 dB is experimentally obtained for the third-order distortion terms, as well as a SDFR improvement of 3 dB. The proposed linearization method enables the simultaneous modulation of four different signals without the need of additional radio frequency components, which is desirable to its implementation in integrated optics and makes it suitable for several applications in microwave photonics.