Wideband frequency-response measurement of optical receivers using optical heterodyne detection

Measurements have been carried out using 1.3- mu m distributed-feedback laser diodes (DFB-LDs). The frequency difference of the LDs is continuously varied with temperature changes of a few degrees and the spectral linewidth of one of the LDs is narrowed by optical feedback using a grating. Wideband, highly sensitive measurement has been achieved for a p-i-n photodiode and a Ge avalanche photodiode from DC to 20 GHz. The result is compared with that of the pulse spectrum analysis (PSA) method. Although the finite pulsewidth in the PSA method causes roll-off in the frequency response, the optical heterodyne method has the advantage for very wideband frequency response measurement. The S/N ratio in the optical heterodyne method can be made as high ( approximately 40 dB) as that of the PSA method by narrowing the spectral linewidth of DFB-LDs.<>