Wide-band predistortion linearization for externally modulated long-haul analog fiber-optic links

We analyze the performance of a custom wide-band predistortion linearizer designed to operate in conjunction with an externally modulated analog photonic link. In addition, we propose an extended spurious-free dynamic-range (SFDR) specification for analog photonic links employing linearization techniques. The benefits of predistortion linearization for analog fiber links limited by optical amplifier noise are demonstrated and a 6-12-GHz 20-km analog link is shown to achieve a SFDR of 108.4 dB/spl middot/Hz/sup 2/3/, a 6-dB increase relative to the uncompensated link.