Photonic downconverting link with digital linearization

We experimentally demonstrate a digitally linearized high dynamic range downconverting microwave photonic link. The system is limited in frequency only by the 10 GHz 3-dB bandwidth of the optical modulators used and is demonstrated at 9 GHz. Digital linearization suppresses third order intermodulation distortion by as much as 39 dB. The linearization is shown for a single tone, a two tone, and a 1 MHz bandwidth input signal.