Predictive Modeling of Electro-optic Modulators Under Electromagnetic Interference

In this age of electronic warfare, directed energy research is of utmost importance to ensure national security, robust military defense systems and gain a competitive edge in research worldwide. This thesis explores the intentional directed energy impacts on electro-optic devices by developing analytical predictive models through experimental data validation. An electro-optic modulator known as Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) is used to understand the implications of intentional EMI. A low frequency RF signal is injected in the MZM to create an EMI environment. The MZM behavior changes due to EMI during a pseudo-random bit sequence signal modulation were studied through analyzing receiver end eye diagram characteristics. The eye diagram characteristics were modeled as a function of the injected RF signal power. Finally, an operation design space for MZMs under EMI is presented to forecast and overview the extreme operating limits of MZM.