Frequency-doubled triangular shape lightwave generation with a flexible modulation index

An approach for full duty frequency-doubled triangle shape lightwave generation is proposed and demonstrated. It requires a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DP-MZM) driven by a sinusoidal signal. A stop band filter is coupled to filter out two undesired sidebands. By tuning the bias voltage applied to the DP-MZM, the output optical intensity with a full duty cycle triangle shape profile can be obtained. It is found that the required modulation index is no longer a fixed one. It can vary within a range, without degrading the target waveform. The principle is analyzed by theory and evaluated by simulation. A proof-of-concept experiment is also conducted. Good agreements between theoretical prediction and experimental results have been found. This approach might be attractive due to the feature of a variable modulation index, which insures simple operation in practice.