Non-Linear Photonic Mixers For Up and Down-Converting Links Based on Mach-Zehnder Intensity Modulators

Novel photonic mixer schemes for up and down-converting encounter a great number of applications in several areas of microwave-photonic interaction. Photonic mixers may be used for up and downconverting channels in subcarrier systems such as mobile communication signal distribution network, remote antenna fibre-optic links [Park et al (1)] as well as channel tuners in CATV systems [Gopalakrishnan et al (2)]. The novelty of the schemes presented in this work consists on requiring a RF source of a half, a third, a fourth, a fifth,... of the nominal frequency required for the up or down conversion. The approach is based on using the nonlinear behaviour at the modulator. We present the theoretical analysis, simulation and experimental demonstration of the approach in a remote antenna up-converting fibre-optic link application.