Efficient harmonic generation using an electroabsorption modulator

A multiple quantum-well electroabsorption modulator has been assessed as a harmonic generator of millimeter-wave signals for radio-over-fiber systems. It is shown experimentally that the steep nonlinear absorption characteristics of electroabsorption modulators lead to efficient generation of high order harmonics when driven by a sinusoidal voltage. Photocurrent harmonic power levels generated using electroabsorption and Mach-Zehnder modulators are compared with theory. >