Analysis of analog fiber optical links based on DSB+C and SSB+C modulation techniques

We present a comparative analysis of analog optical links using double-sideband plus carrier (DSB+C) and single-sideband plus carrier (SSB+C) modulation techniques. The specific modulation technique is obtained by imposing the appropriate phase difference to the input RF signals that feed an external electrooptic Mach-Zehnder modulator. The analog optical link performance is analyzed using analytical predictions, as well as using numerical results from computer simulation. The analysis relies on parameters such as gain, noise figure, and dynamic range. The effects of fiber-optic dispersion (FOD) on the output RF signal are discussed for both modulation techniques.