Open AccessDown-conversion IM-DD RF photonic link utilizing MQW MZ modulator
Author(s) -
Longtao Xu,
Shuting Jin,
Yifei Li
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.24.008405
Subject(s) - optics , phase modulation , electro optic modulator , modulation (music) , photonics , interferometry , linearity , physics , intensity modulation , radio frequency , energy conversion efficiency , materials science , optical modulator , optoelectronics , phase noise , telecommunications , computer science , quantum mechanics , acoustics
We present the first down-conversion intensity modulated-direct detection (IM-DD) RF photonic link that achieves frequency down-conversion using the nonlinear optical phase modulation inside a Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator. The nonlinear phase modulation is very sensitive and it can enable high RF-to-IF conversion efficiency. Furthermore, the link linearity is enhanced by canceling the nonlinear distortions from the nonlinear phase modulation and the MZ interferometer. Proof-of-concept measurement was performed. The down-conversion IM-DD link demonstrated 28dB improvement in distortion levels over that of a conventional IM-DD link using a LiNbO 3 MZ modulator.