Time-Multiplexed Optical Waveform Generation

Traditional waveform-generation methods may not be able to efficiently distribute a signal into various components and adjust each component's intensity over time to produce a refined output signal. The timeliness of signal modulation and the management of frequency component path lengths and phases are significant challenges in the field of signal processing. The problem with current approaches is the lack of precise control over each frequency component’s phase, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the output waveform. Additionally, compensating for relative drifts of path lengths and ensuring phase-coherent integration of sub-chirps is not often adequately addressed, resulting in sub-optimal waveform generation.

Technology Description

The time-multiplexed waveform generator is an innovative technology that includes several vital components, such as a wavelength splitter, intensity modulators, adjustable delay lines, and a wavelength combiner. The wavelength splitter receives an optical signal and splits it into multiple frequency components. These frequency components are then received by multiple intensity modulators, which pass each frequency for a selective time period before extinguishing it for the rest of the chirp time, producing a number of first output signals. This technology stands out for its ability to control phase of each frequency component, compensating any relative drifts of path lengths, and phase coherently stitching a number of sub-chirps together, thanks to the adjustable delay lines. This unique approach allows the creation of a stair-step waveform output signal when the second output signals are combined by a wavelength combiner.