VectorStarâ„¢ MS464xB Series Microwave Vector Network Analyzer Calibration and Measurement Guide : E/O and O/E Converter and Optical Measurements
 
E/O and O/E Converter and Optical Measurements
 
Chapter Overview
Introduction and Background
Optical Measurements Menu
Measurement Setups and Considerations
Optical Linearity
Laser Power and Photodetector Bias Sequencing
Optical Fiber Lengths
Modulator Bias Control
Connector Care
Specification Items
Example 2-Port Procedures
Example 4-Port Procedures and Variations
Uncertainties
Summary
References
Chapter Overview
As fiber and free-space optical communication bandwidths increase, the need for very high speed optical modulators and detectors has also increased. The frequency response characterization of these electrical-to-optical (E/O, modulators sometimes integrated with lasers) and optical-to-electrical (O/E, detectors and receivers) converters can be important in terms of such parameters as bandwidth, flatness and phase linearity. In addition, the microwave frequency response characteristics of certain purely optical (O/O) components may be of interest as their optical bandwidth may be narrow (couplers, amplifiers, filters, etc.) or may have unusual dispersion characteristics. The MS464XX VNA has a number of measurement utilities to facilitate this kind of analysis and, coupled with the MN4765X O/E calibration module or some other calibration device, some level of measurement traceability is possible. The ME7848A series of systems incorporate the MS464XX VNA, MN4765X O/E module and, optionally, a MN4775X laser/modulator unit. This chapter will discuss some of the measurements of interest, setup considerations, possible measurement performance, and examples of execution procedures.