An intensity modulation direct detection RF photonic link using a dual output Mach-Zehnder modulator and a
balanced detection scheme has been modeled and simulated. Validation of the model was performed by comparing the
optical third-order intercept point, spur free dynamic range, and the gain results to actual provided industry measured
output metrics. The model is highly accurate and provides the basis for demonstrating the RF photonics links
performance as a function of varied input parameters such as power levels, detector performance, and varied fiber
lengths. This allows the system designer to analyze performance parameters that are not possible in a laboratory
environment. In addition the designer can analyze the performance of new and improved link designs without having to
incur significant fabrication or manufacturing costs associated with prototypes. The link architecture and specific
implementation challenges particular to the link are discussed. Performance comparisons are shown between the models
to the theoretical calculations as well as to collected experimental data.
The Paulding Mystery Lights are a purportedly unexplained optical phenomenon, occurring nightly, deep in the woods
of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Michigan Tech Student Chapter of the SPIE initiated a project in 2008 to
understand the cause of the Paulding Lights. Previous investigations by skeptics attributed the lights to headlights
without explicitly identifying a source location. Our team applied a number of straightforward techniques to identify
and then verify the source location of the Paulding Light. Beginning with observation through a telescope, the team
moved to using tools such as detailed topographical maps and more common tools such as Google Street View to
identify a candidate source location. The candidate source location was then validated by first recreating the light using a
vehicle parked in that location. Additional verification was achieved by examining the correlation between the
occurrence of the light and the passing of cars at the source location. A spectrometer was also used to compare the
visible spectrum of the light to automotive headlamps. Our findings, presented here, indicate that the source of the
Paulding light is automobile traffic on a stretch of road about 7 km from the viewing location.
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