Optical sample and hold architecture
US6160930A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F7/00
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The optical hold unit (100) of the present invention includes an optical modulator (108) that has an electrical input, an optical input, and an optical output. A 1.times.N optical splitter (106) is also provided that has an optical input and N optical outputs. In addition, N optical paths (112) are individually coupled to the N optical outputs and carry one of the N output signals. Each optical path has an associated propagation delay. Optical delay elements may be located in any of the N optical paths that carry the output signals. The optical delay elements serve to lengthen the propagation delay (114a-e) of the optical path (112a-e) in which the optical delay element is located. In an alternative embodiment, the optical hold unit (200) includes an optical modulator (108) that has an electrical input, an optical input, and an optical output. An optical resonator (202) is also provided and connected to the optical output of the modulator (108). The optical resonator (202) also includes a partially transmissive output (222) to which an optical path is connected. The optical resonator (202) may also include a gain medium (208) or an optical switch (210).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.