Abstract
We describe novel techniques for closed-loop control of inner
and outer Mach–Zehnder (MZ) biases in a dual parallel MZ (DPMZ)
optical modulator. We also present a new technique based on
modulator bias dithers to monitor the optical power contribution of
each RF data path. The latter is demonstrated in an <i>I-Q</i> power
balance control loop. We show that the new control methods are
extremely robust in presence of modulator non-idealities, such as
finite extinction ratios and non-zero chirp. We also demonstrate
these techniques to be largely independent of RF drive waveform
characteristics. Mathematical derivations of control transfer curves
are provided. These are supported by simulation and measurement
results. Additionally, we present a simple technique for
polarization power balance in a dual-polarization modulation format.
Finally, we discuss some practical details related to the
implementation of the control loops described in this
work.
© 2011 IEEE
PDF Article
More Like This
Cited By
You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an Optica member, or as an authorized user of your institution.
Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Login to access Optica Member Subscription