The Analysis Photoparametric Amplifiers Using Harmonic Balance Technique

The analysis and simulation techniques required to evaluate and optimize the perfcrmance of photoparametric amplifiers are presented in this paper. The photoparametric mode of operation involves optical detection and amplification within a single device. The amplifier operation is based on non-linear characteristics of the photodiode and therefore, in system applications a full evaluation of amplifier performance in terms of intermodulation distortion is required. This is particularly important when such an amplifier is used on the receiving end of a sub-carrier multiplexed system. In this paper the simulation techniques and device structures are discussed, and the results and the implications are also presented.