Optimization of radio-over-fiber links with dispersion-induced power fading compensation and tunable carrier-to-sideband ratio technology

High-quality radio-over-fiber (RoF) links are desired for wireless communication and radar systems. To address challenges of power fading induced by dispersion in fiber transmission, and the decreasing sensitivity caused by large carrier-to-sideband ratio (CSR), we propose a double-sideband-modulation analog photonic link featuring power fading compensation and tunable optical CSR based on a dual-parallel polarization modulator. Through adjustment of the direct current bias voltage, dynamic compensation of dispersion-induced power fading at the working frequency can be achieved. The simulation results show successful compensation of power fading over fiber transmission distances of 25 and 40 km. In addition, the tunable optical CSR ranging from -60 dB to 60 dB is attained by tuning the polarization angle before the modulator, providing the flexibility of optimizing the RoF link performance by adjusting the optimal CSR.