Experimental validation of Volterra series nonlinear modelling for microwave subcarrier optical systems

A detailed comparative experimental and theoretical study of nonlinear distortion in laser diodes is undertaken to provide practical proving of the effectiveness and utility of the Volterra series method. The observed harmonic and intermodulation distortion levels are compared with the results given by the Volterra series nonlinear laser model using intrinsic parameters extracted from reflection and small-signal frequency response measurements. Second-harmonic, two-tone and three-tone intermodulation distortion data are all found to be in good agreement with the theoretical results, providing endorsement of the Volterra series approach for the study of distortion in microwave subcarrier optical systems