External modulator linearization techniques for high performance radio over fiber transmission systems

Some of the most promising transmitter linearization techniques for high performance radio over fiber systems are reviewed and compared through simulation tests. Comparison is focused on Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) operated at low bias; MZM conventionally biased at quadrature, driven with low modulation depth and cascaded with a notch optical filter; optical single sideband and double sideband plus carrier (SSB/DSB + C); and carrier suppressed plus carrier (CS + C) methods. These transmitters are evaluated through carrier to interference ratio, optical insertion losses, and RF power penalty. The robustness to deviation from ideal transmitter settings is also assessed.