Optical generation of electrical modulation formats

We investigate a novel technique to generate the transmission signal in digital microwave link applications. This technique is based on a photonic device that achieves both electrical modulation (QAM, PSK, ASK) and harmonic upconversion of the microwave carrier. Simulation results are provided for a 7th-harmonic 38.5 GHz transmission of a 155 Mps signal through a 1 km fiber span. Experimental results are also reported for BPSK modulation.