Reduced Carrier, High Dynamic Range I/O Modulators

摘要

This report provides details on the fabrication and characterization of reducedcarrier electrooptic modulators for potential application in high performance RF links. The report details how the optical splitting ratio was determined and the results of verification testing of reduced carrier links to prevent overload of optical detectors. The result was a slightly improved third order distortion product. This improvement could range up to 5 dB depending upon the power handling capability of the photodetector and the use and characteristics of an optical amplifier in front of the detector. The reduced optical carrier power results in an apparent increased RF modulation index (greater depth of modulation) of the optical carrier. An optical amplifier then permits higher overall optical power on the photodetector, which, in turn, improves the dynamic range of the link.