A novel linearization method of multiple quantum well (MQW) electroabsorption analog modulator

Abstract

A linearization method for a multiple quantum well (MQW) electroabsorption analog modulator is studied. We analyze the nonlinear characteristics of the light-voltage (L-V) transfer curve in a MQW electroabsorption modulator and estimate its intermodulation distortion (IMD). We propose a novel linearization method, the integration of twin MQW modulators with optical 3 dB couplers. This method can reduce IMD2 and IMD3 simultaneously by only adjusting the modulation depth and the bias voltage of each modulator. Results of simulations show that the method can suppress IMD2 and IMD3 to below -65 dBc at a modulation depth of 10% without any serious loss of optical signal power or increase in chirp.