Title :
Variable optical frequency comb source using a dual parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator
Author :
Riordan, Colm O. ; Fabbri, Simon J. ; Ellis, Andrew D.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Phys., Univ. Coll. Cork, Cork, Ireland
Abstract :
We demonstrate that driving a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) with a single 10 GHz RF synthesizer is an excellent means of realising a variable multicarrier source suitable for use in bandwidth flexible transponders based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. Through appropriate selection of its 6 operating parameters, a commercially available integrated DPMZM is used to produce a flat optical frequency comb tunable over a wide range of line numbers and frequency intervals. Through analysis and simulation it is shown that an even greater range of tunability in the output spectrum of the DPMZM is possible.
Keywords :
electro-optical modulation; optical pulse generation; transponders; RF synthesizer; bandwidth flexible transponders; dual parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator; flat optical frequency comb; frequency 10 GHz; frequency intervals; integrated DPMZM; line numbers; orthogonal frequency division multiplexing; variable multicarrier source; variable optical frequency comb source; Frequency modulation; Integrated optics; OFDM; Optical modulation; Radio frequency; Transponders; dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator; electro-optic modulation; optical frequency comb;
Conference_Titel :
Transparent Optical Networks (ICTON), 2011 13th International Conference on
Conference_Location :
Stockholm
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4577-0881-7
Electronic_ISBN :
2161-2056
DOI :
10.1109/ICTON.2011.5970916
