Contents 1. Introduction
Semiconductor Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZM) are of interest for potential applications to analog RF fiber links for military applications including antenna remoting, optical control of phased array radar, high performance optical signal processing, and enhanced RF distribution architectures. Three key performance aspects of such a modulator merit particular attention. First, the RF frequency response and flatness has system design implications. Second, the optical insertion loss dictates power handling capability, dynamic range, and spur-free dynamic range; and third, voltage affects both dynamic range and sensitivity. The -Bandwidth-Insertion Loss trade space must be evaluated from a comprehensive viewpoint since optimization of any two of these figures of merit at the expense of the other will compromise overall RF system performance. In this paper we present data for a InP/InGaAsP coupled quantum well modulator that compares favorably to other recently reported modulators [1]–[2], together with an integrated optical-electromagnetic simulation that accurately matches measured performance and is then used for design of enhanced modulators.
