Characterization of a Downconverting, Phase-Modulated RF-Over-Fiber Link With a Single Modulator

We present and fully characterize a downconverting RF-over-fiber link that uses one dual-RF drive Mach–Zehnder modulator as a phase modulator. One RF input presents the signal and the other input presents the local oscillator to the modulator. A full link characterization and experimental comparison with the developed theory is presented for the first time, verifying the relevant RF metrics that can be immediately useful in a practical system design.