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

在本研究中，将展示一种新型的超快光字发生器，或称并行-电子-串行光转换器。这种光学字生成器功能可能很重要，例如，用于将计算机数据的并行字转换为适合传输到超快时分多路复用（TDM）光纤互连网络的串行格式。所提出的方法利用光学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子设备的速度。这项研究预计将影响光时分多路（TDM）数据通信系统和运行在~ 100gb /s及以上速率的网络，以及以更高速率工作的波分多路/时分多路（WDM-TDM）混合传输、网络和处理系统。为了实现光学字发生器，将研究以下三种主要技术：直接时空脉冲成形器，它是一种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。特别是提供快速可编程性（~Gb/s）的光电调制器阵列，以满足现代高速分组网络的需求，高开关对比度，并在1.55微米光纤波长范围内运行。阵列波导光栅器件是一种集成光器件，通常用于波分复用光通信中独立波长通道的分离或路由。特别是，改进的阵列波导光栅器件将被证明是集成的直接时空脉冲整形器。通过结合这些技术，将实现一种紧凑而新颖的模块，该模块能够产生超短脉冲序列（超快光字），并能够在GHz速率下重新编程。

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.