Adaptive Broadband Linearization for Analog Photonic Links

An investigation of a broadband analog optical modulator linearization scheme is proposed. The scheme is based on the combination of multiple semiconductor modulator devices, driven from a common electrical input. The linearization is accomplished in the optical domain, making the approach suitable for wideband microwave applications that have frustrated previous attempts at electrical pre-distortion linearization schemes. The proposed Phase I effort will include investigations of the linearization scheme and required semiconductor modulator device structures to establish the feasibility of the approach, leading to a Phase II effort in which integrated linearized modulator devices will be produced.