Linearization enhanced operation of single-stage and dual-stage electro-optic modulators

A distortion circuit for linearizing third-, fifth- and seventh-order distortion components in a non-linear optical communications system includes at least one group of series connected diodes coupled to a common input terminal for receiving a signal source at one end and to an inductor and a capacitor at the other end, a resistance coupled to the common input terminal and a bias source for providing a bias current to the group of series connected diodes. The distortion circuit may be implemented as a predistortion circuit in the headend of the optical communications system or as a postdistortion circuit at the receiving end.