Microwave photonics analog link based on two integrated D-DPMZM linearized signals and with eliminated odd harmonics and all IMD’s

Abstract

In this paper a novel Microwave Photonics Analog Link (MPAL) system configuration based on two Dual-drive Dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulators (D-DPMZMs) and two Balanced Photo-Detectors (BPDs) is developed and system performance parameters are optimised for Radio over Fibre (RoF) high-speed transmissions. The Intermodulation Distortions (IMDs), as well as the harmonic distortions have been eliminated. The proposed linearization of RF signal configuration is double side banded in both D-DPMZM. A detailed mathematical system modelling is developed for the proposed RoF system configuration, benchmarked against newly generated system simulations, and implemented utilising particular device characteristics derived from experimental work. The proposed Microwave Photonic Link (MPL) system uses fewer RF shifters and is easier to implement in actual applications since all of the system's commercially available off-the-shelf components have already been experimentally demonstrated. The RF linearization for this configuration has been tested by introducing an additional RF signal, as well as phase and intensity errors in MZ branches. The proposed novel linearized MPAL with high spurious free dynamic range would have a great impact on future aerospace, radar, defense and satellite-to-ground downlink communication systems applications.