Optoelectronic clock generator producing high frequency optoelectronic pulse trains with variable frequency and variable duty cycle and low jitter

Abstract

An optoelectronic pulse generator is provided that includes a thyristor detector/emitter device having an input port and an output port. The thyristor detector/emitter device is adapted to detect an input optical pulse supplied to the input port and to produce an output optical pulse (via laser emission) and an output electrical pulse in response to the detected input optical pulse. The output optical pulse is output via the output port. An optical feedback path is operably coupled between the output port and the input port of the thyristor detector/emitter device. The optical feedback path supplies a portion of the output optical pulse produced by the thyristor detector/emitter device to the input port, thereby causing the thyristor detector/emitter device to produce a sequence of output optical pulses and a corresponding sequence of output electrical pulses. Preferably, the optical feedback path comprises a programmable optical delay line realized by a network of in-plane waveguide structures and directional coupler devices that are integrally formed with the thyristor device structure of the detector/emitter device.