Two stage integrated SOA modulators as efficient photonic mixers for microwave signals

Here, we present an improved device for an SOA based photonic mixer, where two different SOA modulators are placed in tandem, separated by a lossy section. The SOAs are operated under a linear modulation regime. This device shows important advantages in terms of conversion gain over previously reported ones, and can be easily integrated. Furthermore, since it is based on the same technology as multi-electrode semiconductor lasers it is a potential low cost device since it can benefit from the economy of scale of this technology.