Broad-band unamplified optical link with RF gain using a LiNbO3 modulator

A reflection traveling-wave LiNbO/sub 3/ modulator is used to demonstrate unamplified link gain to 550 MHz, taking advantage of its low-drive voltage (0.5 V V/sub /spl pi//) at low frequencies, and high optical powers. 7.5 dB of gain is achieved at 50 MHz with an optical power of 188 mW and 8.5 mA of detector current. Noise figure of the 50-MHz link is it dB and spur-free dynamic range is 114 dB/spl middot/Hz/sup 2/3/. A model for gain is presented, which shows good agreement with experimental results.