256/64-QAM Multicarrier Analog Radio-over-Fiber Modulation using a Linear Differential Drive Silicon Mach-Zehnder Modulator

Highly linear integrated optical modulators are required in order to provide a distribution platform for analog Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) signals. The work outlined examines the performance of multiple bands of Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexed (GFDM) signals in a photonic link employing a linear differential drive silicon Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM). Performance is evaluated in terms of received Bit Error Rate (BER) and Error Vector Magnitude (EVM). In an optical back-to-back scenario, 3.3% EVM is achieved in the case where three GFDM bands modulated with 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) are transmitted.