All-optical single-sideband frequency upconversion utilizing the XPM effect in an SOA-MZI

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Communications
• Fiber Optic Systems
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems face power fading due to chromatic dispersion.
• Existing frequency upconversion methods require complex phase noise compensation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate an all-optical single sideband (OSSB) frequency upconverter.
• To overcome power fading and phase noise issues in RoF systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cross-phase modulation (XPM) effect.
• Employed an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) and a semiconductor optical amplifier Mach-Zehnder interferometer (SOA-MZI).
• Experimental demonstration over 20 km of single-mode fiber.

Main Results:

• Achieved a flat electrical radio frequency (RF) power response over fiber length.
• Demonstrated negligible phase noise degradation for the upconverted 48 GHz RF signal.
• Measured phase noise of -74.72 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset.
• Obtained a spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of 72.5 dB·Hz^2/3.

Conclusions:

• The proposed OSSB frequency upconverter effectively mitigates power fading in RoF systems.
• The device offers robust performance with minimal phase noise, eliminating the need for extra delay lines.
• The technology shows promise for high-performance radio-over-fiber applications.