Optimizing the ultrawide-band photonic link

Performance of wide-band photonic links (PLs) using Mach-2ehnder modulators (MZMs) is reported. Comparison parameters include loss, noise figure, and spur-free dynamic range (SPDR). The feasibility of a 0-dB noise-figure link even with passive matching is given and the advantages of dual-output MZMs are presented. A new figure of merit is introduced to quantitatively optimize link performance with or without a preamplifier.