System for generating low-jitter digital clock signals using pulsed laser

Abstract

A low-jitter digital clock signal generating system which uses optical pulses output from a pulse laser includes a first balanced photodetector that converts first and second optical pulses with a delayed time interval into first and second electrical pulses through first and second photodiodes and outputs first and second modulated pulses generated by allowing the first and second electrical pulses to partially overlap each other, a second balanced photodetector that converts third and fourth optical pulses with the delayed time interval into third and fourth electrical pulses through third and fourth photodiodes, and outputs a second modulated pulse generated by allowing the third and fourth electrical pulses to partially overlap each other, and a capacitor. The capacitor is charged by the first modulated pulse, is discharged by the second modulated pulse, and outputs a voltage according to the charging and discharging as a clock signal.