Scheme for generating high-quality optical multicarrier for quantum key distribution wavelength division-multiplexing passive optical network

Abstract

We proposed and analyzed a scheme of generating an optical multicarrier using a linear optical modulator–based hybrid interferometer modulator and a dual parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator. Fifteen-tone comb lines within 0.5-dB spectral power variation are obtained; the side-mode suppression ratio is about 35 dB; and the system is tolerant to radio-frequency phase differences. Some analysis on the noise characteristics and the impact of parameter drifting is also made. These features indicate that the proposed multicarrier generator is a good multiwavelength source for quantum key distribution wavelength division-multiplexing passive optical networks.