Abstract
This paper describes optical quadrature amplitude modulation techniques using parallel Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs). Arbitrary constellations of optical signals can be generated by using a dual-parallel MZM which can independently control real and imaginary components of lightwaves, where each MZM should be driven by multi-level electric signals. Many parallel MZMs, such as quad-parallel MZMs, octet-parallel MZMs can synthesize optical multi-level signals from binary data stream generated by electronics designed for binary modulation formats. We also investigate characterization methods of parallel MZMs. Precise measurement of half-wave voltage, extinction ratio and chirp parameter of each MZM element can be achieved by using optical spectrum analysis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1678-1688 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | ieice electronics express |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 20 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Modulation format
- Optical modulation
- Optical waveguide
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering