title: Down-conversion IM-DD RF photonic link utilizing MQW MZ modulator.
abstract: We present the first down-conversion intensity modulated-direct detection (IM-DD) RF photonic link that achieves frequency down-conversion using the nonlinear optical phase modulation inside a Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator. The nonlinear phase modulation is very sensitive and it can enable high RF-to-IF conversion efficiency. Furthermore, the link linearity is enhanced by canceling the nonlinear distortions from the nonlinear phase modulation and the MZ interferometer. Proof-of-concept measurement was performed. The down-conversion IM-DD link demonstrated 28dB improvement in distortion levels over that of a conventional IM-DD link using a LiNbO3MZ modulator.
authors.forename: Longtao
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Shilei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Yifei
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li