Performance analysis of photonically generated microwave signal using a dual-parallel dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator in dispersive media

Abstract

Dispersion is one of the potential limiting parameter for generation of microwave signal using photonic methods. In this paper, we analyse theoretically, the influence of fiber dispersion parameter on the photonically generated microwave/millimeter wave signal using dual-parallel dual-drive LiNbO3 Mach-Zender modulators. Intensity at the output of photodetector having, eight and sixteen times frequency of microwave drive signal and harmonic suppression versus modulation index (β) and filter attenuation is discussed and it has been found that dispersion plays a major role on generation and transmission of microwave signal in optical domain.