All-optical linearized Mach-Zehnder modulator

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.