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Linear phase-and-frequency-modulated photonic links using optical discriminators.
J M Wyrwas1, R Peach, S Meredith
1Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. jwyrwas@berkeley.edu
Optics Express
|November 29, 2012
Summary
Researchers improved analog optical links using novel discriminators, achieving over 6 dB higher third-order output intercept point (OIP3) and better signal compression compared to standard Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) links.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Analog Signal Processing
- Communications Systems
Background:
- Linear analog optical links are crucial for high-performance signal transmission.
- Existing Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) links face limitations in linearity and distortion.
- Optical discriminators offer potential for enhanced link performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally evaluate linear analog optical links employing phase or frequency modulation with advanced optical discriminators.
- To quantify improvements in linearity, specifically the third-order output intercept point (OIP3), compared to traditional MZM links.
- To assess the impact of these discriminators on signal compression and distortion.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of two optical discriminator architectures: cascaded Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) Finite Impulse Response (FIR) lattice filter and a ring-assisted MZI (RAMZI) Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter.
- Utilizing phase or frequency modulation within the optical links.
- Employing balanced detection to minimize second-order distortion.
- Characterizing link performance using high optical power.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated > 6 dB improvement in the link's third-order output intercept point (OIP3) for both MZI FIR and RAMZI IIR discriminator architectures compared to a MZM link.
- Achieved low second-order distortion through the use of balanced detection.
- Reached a maximum OIP3 of 39.2 dBm with high optical power.
- Showcased a 4.3 dB improvement in signal compression.
Conclusions:
- Cascaded MZI FIR and RAMZI IIR optical discriminators significantly enhance the linearity of analog optical links.
- Balanced detection effectively mitigates second-order distortion, enabling high-fidelity signal transmission.
- These advanced discriminator designs represent a substantial improvement for analog optical link performance, particularly in demanding applications requiring high OIP3 and reduced signal compression.
