Variable optical frequency comb source using a dual parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator

We demonstrate that driving a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) with a single 10 GHz RF synthesizer is an excellent means of realising a variable multicarrier source suitable for use in bandwidth flexible transponders based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. Through appropriate selection of its 6 operating parameters, a commercially available integrated DPMZM is used to produce a flat optical frequency comb tunable over a wide range of line numbers and frequency intervals. Through analysis and simulation it is shown that an even greater range of tunability in the output spectrum of the DPMZM is possible.

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