Characterization and Optimization of an Eight-Channel Time-Multiplexed Pulse-Shaping System

High-performance optical pulse shaping is paramount to photonics and laser applications for which high-precision optical waveforms must be generated. We investigate the design and performance of a time-multiplexed pulse-shaping (TMPS) system in which optical waveforms from a single pulse-shaping uni...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of lightwave technology 2017-01, Vol.35 (2), p.173-185
Main Authors: Dorrer, Christophe, Bittle, Wade A., Cuffney, Robert, Spilatro, Michael, Hill, Elizabeth M., Kosc, Tanya Z., Kelly, John H., Zuegel, Jonathan D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Demultiplexers
Demultiplexing
Extinction
Extinction ratio
Fiber optics components
Insertion loss
INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Laser applications
lithium niobate
Lithium niobates
Mach-Zehnder interferometers
Multiplexing
Optical amplifiers
Optical fibers
Optical modulation
Optical pulse shaping
Optical switches
optical switching devices
Optimization
pulse shaping
Switches
Vibration
Waveform generators
Waveforms
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Summary:High-performance optical pulse shaping is paramount to photonics and laser applications for which high-precision optical waveforms must be generated. We investigate the design and performance of a time-multiplexed pulse-shaping (TMPS) system in which optical waveforms from a single pulse-shaping unit are demultiplexed and retimed before being sent to different optical systems. This architecture has the advantages of low cost and low relative jitter between optical waveforms because a single pulse-shaping system, e.g., a high-performance arbitrary waveform generator driving a Mach-Zehnder modulator, generates all the waveforms. We demonstrate an eight-channel TMPS system based on a 1 × 8 LiNbO 3 demultiplexer composed of four stages of 1 × 2 Δβ phase-reversal switches. It is shown that optimal demultiplexing, i.e., low insertion loss and high extinction ratio between channels, requires optimization in dynamic operation because of the slow component of the switches' response. We demonstrate losses lower than 5 dB, extinction ratios of the order of 70 dB for a four-channel system and 50 dB for an eight-channel system, and jitter added by the demultiplexer smaller than 0.1 ps.
ISSN:0733-8724
1558-2213
DOI:10.1109/JLT.2016.2637281