Multiple-quantum-well asymmetric Fabry-Perot modulators for microwave photonic applications

We describe the development of InGaAsP multi-quantum-well asymmetric Fabry- Perot modulators (AFPM) for RF-over-fiber applications. Advantages of the A FPM include low drive voltage and loss, high linearity and simple fiber ali gnment. Experimental results of initial devices, exhibiting 5.5-dB modulati on depth and >3-GHz operation, are described. The effect of the optical pow er on the device performance was assessed, and the modulation bandwidth was found to be unaffected by incident optical powers up to 0 dBm. The lineari ty of the modulation characteristic was measured by carrying out two-tone i ntermodulation distortion tests, and a third-order intercept point of 30 dB m was observed.