Purdue Research Foundation

Daniel E Leaird

Andrew Marc Weiner

Methods and apparatus or generating a radiation pulse sequence are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus includes two coupled direct space-to-time pulse generators (DSTPGs) with a channel operation element (COE) in between. The first DSTPG forms multiple spatially separated radiation pulse sequences. The COE operates to modify one or more of the radiation pulse sequences, such as imparting a time delay between them. The modified radiation pulse sequences are then combined by the second DSTPG to form a single output radiation pulse sequence.

Methods and apparatus for generating a radiation pulse sequence

An optical communications subsystem is proposed to permit the multiplexing of multiple, parallel electronic data streams onto a serial, very high speed optical data channel. The subsystem may also be used to generate programmable ultrafast optical data words for the testing of optical components, and system performance testing of very high speed data transmission systems. The key device component, based on a modified arrayed waveguide grating structure, is directly integratable with a high-speed optoelectronic modulator array in a simple, cost effect, and manufacturable configuration. Pulse spacings as small as 1 picosecond have been demonstrated corresponding to an effective data rate of up to one terahertz. An integrated optical pulse generator is configured to receive a laser light input and output an optical pulse train. Direct space-to-time pulse shaping and optical pulse train generation is achieved by use of an arrayed waveguide (AWG) that is double-passed. A mask is utilized for time domain pulse shaping that is employed after a single pass through the arrayed waveguide. In the case of an optical data/word generator, a spatially patterned mask translates spatial data, for example representing binary data or a binary word, of the mask to the output optical pulse train. The arrayed waveguide (AWG) system has waveguide ports that double as inputs and outputs, and provides direct space-to-time pulse shaping of a single, short pulse laser/optic signal. Direct optical access to individual guides in the waveguide array allows one to control the light intensity in each guide and therefore control the output pulse intensities with a one-guide one-pulse effect.

Direct space-to-time pulse shaper and optical word generator

Direct space-to-time pulse shaping and optical pulse train generation is achieved in the present invention which features an optical transmitter that includes: an input port receiving a pulsed light beam; a planar modulator coupled to said input port to spatially pattern the beam; a spectral disperser receiving the patterned beam to spectrally disperse and direct the patterned beam; a focus element receiving the dispersed beam and producing a focused beam; and an output port having an aperture positioned to receive a portion of the focused beam.

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West Lafayette, IN, United States of America

Daniel E Leaird