Ultrafast Optical Word Generator Using Time-Domain Fourier Optics and Long Wavelength Modulator Arrays

在这项研究中，一种新型的超快光字发生器，或并行电子串行光转换器，将被证明。该光学字生成器功能例如对于将计算机数据的并行字转换成适合于传输到超快时分复用（TDM）光纤互连网络上的串行格式可能是重要的。所提出的方法使用光学器件的并行处理能力来生成由超短光脉冲序列组成的数据流，其速率远远快于单个电子和光电设备的速度。本研究将对以~100 Gb/s及以上的速率工作的光时分复用（TDM）数据通信系统和网络以及以更高速率工作的混合波分复用/时分复用（WDM-TDM）传输、网络和处理系统产生影响。为了实现光字发生器，将研究以下三种主要技术：直接空时脉冲整形器是能够将一维空间图像直接转换为相应的超快时域数据序列的光学系统。光电调制器阵列，提供脉冲整形器所需的空间图像。特别是，光电调制器阵列提供快速可重编程性（~Gb/s），以适应现代高速分组网络的需要，高开关对比度，并在1.55微米光纤波长波段内工作。阵列波导光栅器件，这是一种集成光学元件，通常用于WDM光通信中独立波长信道的分离或路由。特别是，将展示改进的阵列波导光栅器件作为集成的直接空间到时间脉冲整形器。通过结合这些技术，将实现能够产生超短脉冲序列（超快光字）的紧凑和新颖的模块，该模块具有以GHz速率重新编程的能力。

In this research a novel ultrafast optical word generator, or parallel-electronic to serial-optical converter, will be demonstrated. This optical word generator functionality may be important for example for converting parallel words of computer data into a serial format suitable for transmission onto ultrafast time-division multiplexed (TDM) fiber interconnection networks. The proposed approach uses the parallel processing capabilities of optics to generate data streams consisting of sequences of ultrashort optical pulses at rates substantially faster than the speeds of individual electronic and optoelectronic devices. This research is expected to impact both optical time-division-multiplexed (TDM) data communications systems and networks operating at rates of ~100 Gb/s and above, as well as hybrid wavelength-division-multiplexed / time-division multiplexed (WDM-TDM) transmission, networking, and processing systems working at even higher rates.In order to realize the optical word generator, three main technologies will be investigated, as follows: Direct space-to-time pulse shapers, which are optical systems capable of converting one-dimensional spatial images directly into corresponding ultrafast time-domain data sequences. Optoelectronic modulator arrays, which provide the spatial image needed by the pulse shaper. In particular, optoelectronic modulator arrays providing rapid reprogrammability (~Gb/s) for compatibility with the needs of modern high-speed packet networks, high on-off contrast, and operation in the 1.55 micron fiber optic wavelength band will be developed.Arrayed waveguide grating devices, which are integrated optical components commonly used forseparation or routing of independent wavelength channels in WDM optical communications. In particular, modified arrayed waveguide grating devices will be demonstrate that function as integrated direct space-to-time pulse shapers.By combining these technologies, a compact and novel module capable of generating sequences of ultrashort pulses (ultrafast optical words) with the ability to reprogram at GHz rates will be realized.