Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and techniques for producing asynchronous delta-sigma modulated output signals from an optical input signal. In some examples, a modulator may include a first inverted integrator for producing a first integrated optical signal based on the optical input signal. Example modulators may also include a second inverted integrator for producing a second integrated optical signal based on the first integrated optical signal. Example modulators may also include an optical quantizer for producing an optical output signal based, at least in part, on the second integrated optical signal.

Abstract: An all-optical combined serial-to-parallel and digital-to-analog convertor using standard WDM technology is realized. The system is based on bit interleaving and cross-gain modulation (XGM) in a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). The optical system can operate on multiple-bit digital words at a very high bit rate. The analog output forms series of pulses with the amplitude of each pulse taking one of the eight discrete values. A low pass filter may be used to turn this bit stream into a continuous waveform, and thus arbitrary waveforms are generated. Unlike many current digital-to-analog converter designs, which double in size with each additional bit, the design presented here allows a linear growth in components, thus making higher bit systems practical.

Abstract: An all-optical combined serial-to-parallel and digital-to-analog convertor using standard WDM technology is realized. The system is based on bit interleaving and cross-gain modulation (XGM) in a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). The optical system can operate on multiple-bit digital words at a very high bit rate. The analog output forms series of pulses with the amplitude of each pulse taking one of the eight discrete values. A low pass filter may be used to turn this bit stream into a continuous waveform, and thus arbitrary waveforms are generated. Unlike many current digital-to-analog converter designs, which double in size with each additional bit, the design presented here allows a linear growth in components, thus making higher bit systems practical.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based heat engine capable of converting thermal energy gradients into mechanical or electrical energy, as well as its fabrication process is disclosed. This heat engine design consists of a stressed oscillating beam formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) thin film. As the temperature of the beam changes, its shape changes due to the phase transformation of the shape memory alloy, causing it to oscillate between a hot source and a cold source. Due to the hysteretic behavior of the phase transformation, the oscillating SMA cantilever beam produces a net mechanical work output that may be either converted to electrical energy or mechanically linked to other MEMS devices.

Abstract: A modulator, including an integrator (118), a bistable device (110), an adder (102) and a feedback loop (116) is provided. A method for converting a continuous time signal to a binary signal is also provided.

Abstract: A modulator, including an integrator (118), a bistable device (110), an adder (102) and a feedback loop (116) is provided. A method for converting a continuous time signal to a binary signal is also provided.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based heat engine capable of converting thermal energy gradients into mechanical or electrical energy, as well as its fabrication process is disclosed. This heat engine design consists of a stressed oscillating beam formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) thin film. As the temperature of the beam changes, its shape changes due to the phase transformation of the shape memory alloy, causing it to oscillate between a hot source and a cold source. Due to the hysteretic behavior of the phase transformation, the oscillating SMA cantilever beam produces a net mechanical work output that may be either converted to electrical energy or mechanically linked to other MEMS devices.