Abstract
Optical frequency combs (OFCs) generated by an InP-based semiconductor Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) are numerically investigated. Nonlinear phase modulation induced by drive voltages applied to the MZM prove to be useful in obtaining a flat OFC. The experimentally measured intensity deviations of OFCs reported previously are quantitatively reproduced using a numerical model considering nonlinear change of refractive index and optical absorption induced by the drive voltages applied to the MZM. It is found that such nonlinearities generate a flat nine-channel (9-ch) OFC with an intensity deviation of <1 dB when a moderate RF drive voltage of <5 V is used. This flat 9-ch OFC is sustained regardless of the ratio of RF drive voltages of two arms in the MZM. Conversion efficiency is reasonably high (27%), but it is decreased by optical absorption and extinction losses in the MZM.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 7160714 |
| Pages (from-to) | 2219-2221 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | IEEE Photonics Technology Letters |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 21 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 Nov 1 |
Keywords
- Mach-Zehnder modulator
- nonlinear phase modulation
- optical frequency comb
- sideband generation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering