System and method for improving performance of photonic samplers
US8917197B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2201/126
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An interferometer used for modulating an optical signal with an electrical signal is described, where the optical signal can be subsequently detected so as to sample and digitize the electrical signal. Nonlinear optical elements can be located inside the interferometer to reduce the minimum detectable electrical input signal size. The interferometer can contain more than two arms to improve the tolerable dynamic range of the electrical signal. In some cases some outputs of the interferometer are dependent on the electrical input frequency while others have minimal frequency dependence, thereby allowing the frequency of the input electrical signal to be measured more easily. Ideally the modulator operates in a push-pull mode with a single electrode for the input electrical signal. Such a modulator can be constructed by using appropriate optical delay elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.