Highly linear silicon Mach-Zehnder modulators with optimized phase-shifter

We have experimentally demonstrated that the linearity of a silicon Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) could be improved by optimizing its phase-shifter length (PSL). Through the optimization of the PSL, the third order intermodulation distortion of the silicon MZM could be 16.7 dB lower than that of a commercial LiNbO ₃ MZM. The spurious free dynamic range of the link with the silicon MZM could be 4.1 dB higher than that with the LiNbO ₃ MZM.