Ultrafast Optical A/D Converter Using Cross Phase Modulation

摘要

This report discusses the spectral, vectorial, and temporal properties ofultrafast optical pulse propagation in single mode optical fibers, with the objective of demonstrating and improving the spectral encoding of an optical pulse intensity using the cross phase modulation process for an ultrafast optical analog to digital converter. The design and test of an ultrafast analog to digital converter operating at five giga samples per second with sixteen digital levels (four bits) accuracy per sampling channel is described. Operation of the converter was demonstrated and effects limiting performance were isolated. Techniques to improve accuracy, increase sensitivity, and realize a more practical design are described.