Abstract: An optical comb generator, having a light input port configured to receive a continuous wave light from a laser source and a plurality of phase modulators coupled to the light input port. At least one intensity modulator is coupled to the plurality of the phase modulators, along with a plurality of phase shifters. The phase shifters are coupled to a corresponding phase modulator. A radio frequency (RF) clock is coupled to the phase modulators and the intensity modulator, and configured to provide synchronous clock input to the phase modulators and the intensity modulator. The comb generator may also incorporate an RF switch disposed between the RF clock and the phase shifters associated with a phase modulator, so that the RF switch enables tuning each corresponding phase shifter to thereby provide a tunable optical comb.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.