This paper presents a simulation approach of optical heterodyne systems by using the equivalent circuit representation of a distributed feedback laser (DFB) in the electrical domain. Since the electrical representation of the DFB laser is developed from the rate equations, its characteristics such as non-linearity, relative intensity noise (RIN), and phase noise can be predicted precisely for various biasing conditions. The model is integrated in a heterodyne radio over fiber (RoF) system where two DFB lasers are used to generate a millimeter-wave (mm-wave) signal. An optical phase-locked loop is also introduced to reduce the phase noise on the mm-wave signal. The optical phase noise contribution of individual lasers to the mm-wave signal is evaluated and compared with theoretical results. It is shown that the phase noise of the mm-wave is reduced considerably depending on the loop bandwidth and propagation delay. With the circuit simulation approach proposed, optical and mm-wave phase noises can be studied together with other circuit environments such as parasitic effects and driver circuits.
