Increased linear dynamic range by low biasing the Mach-Zehnder modulator

Abstract

Operating a Mach-Zehnder modulator at an optical bias below the conventional 50% (quadrature) bias is investigated. Theoretical distortion curves as a function of bias have been calculated and experimentally verified. These curves show that (single octave) linear dynamic range increases as the bias is lowered, so long as optical power at the detector can be maintained just below the saturation level or laser noise limit. This method thus provides a way for very large optical power to be used to benefit linear dynamic range. Theoretically, 20 dB of excess optical power, attenuated through low biasing, can result in an increase in linear dynamic range of 15 dB.