Performance prediction and optimization of a coherent phase modulated low noise analog optical link operating at microwave frequencies

Analog optical communication links operating at microwave frequencies are useful for applications like antenna remoting, transceivers, optical signal distribution (CATV), etc. In recent years great progress has been achieved on AM optical links, however, very little has been published on the use of coherent optical links for analog applications. In this paper, we present the analysis, calculated performance, and design guidelines for a coherent phase modulated analog optical link. The performance of this link is compared to that of AM links, and a substantially improved performance is predicted