Abstract

We propose and experimentally demonstrate the use of a directly modulated laser (DML) in an optical phase modulated (PM)-assisted millimeter-wave (mmW) signal generation system. A comprehensive analytical model is provided to accurately describe the system frequency response, which is also validated by the experimental measurements. For the purpose of the system characterization, the transmission performance is analyzed using a QPSK signal at different operating mmW frequencies over large received optical power (RoP) and electrical data power ranges in a 10 km standard single mode fiber (SSMF) link. Both the impact of the noise and the DML nonlinearities lead to identify the optimal conditions for the system operation where PM-based mmW signal photonic generation demonstrates total transparency with no further signal degradation. Final comparison with IM technique for mmW signal generation leads to assess the robustness of PM solution which makes it promising for the deployment of future communication networks.