Large-signal E/O modelling of traveling-wave electroabsorption modulators in an RF circuit CAD environment

A novel large-signal model of traveling-wave electroabsorption modulators is presented, fully integrated within an RF circuit CAD environment. The model allows not only the large-signal RF simulation of the device, but also to evaluate the electro-optic response in large-signal conditions, including effects such as harmonic distortion, RF and optical power saturation, and chirp. The model is implemented through a cascaded-cell approach; the nonlinear lumped equivalent circuit parameters of each cell can be identified through measurements or from an accurate coupled electromagnetic and semiconductor model, including the effect of carrier photogeneration. Results concerning a state-of-the-art modulator structure are presented to demonstrate the model's effectiveness.