Simultaneous suppression of laser relative intensity noise, 2nd and 3rd order distortions using a balanced electroabsorption modulator

Balanced electroabsorption modulators (B-EAM) are an attractive alternative to the cross-coupled Mach-Zehnder modulator. The B-EAM enables bias independent suppression of even-order distortions, relative intensity noise (RIN), and common amplified spontaneous emission noise. By biasing the B-EAM at the 3 rd order null, a 5 th order distortion limited spurious free dynamic range can be achieved. We report on the experimental demonstration of the simultaneous suppression of laser RIN, 2 nd and 3 rd order distortions using a 300 μm long B-EAM.