Abstract: A system and method for generating return-to-zero (RZ) optical data in a digital lightwave communications system using a two-stage modulator arrangement. RF electrical data is provided to a first stage modulator for modulating a light input into an intermediary optical data output having a non-return-to-zero (NRZ) format. Phase differences between the data and a clock signal associated therewith are controlled via a phase feedback control loop that is operable responsive to a phase dither reference signal. The clock signal is adjusted based on a phase control signal provided by the phase feedback control loop so as to generate a phase-adjusted clock. The phase-adjusted clock is supplied to a second stage modulator operable to blank out a suitable portion of each NRZ data bit interval and thereby create optical data having the RZ format.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for robustly (using first order effects) controlling the bias point and radio frequency (RF) amplitude level of a modulator for an optical transmitter. The method comprises the steps of extracting an output dither signal component of a digital optical output signal from the optical transmitter to drive a feedback loop; measuring the output dither signal component in the feedback loop for comparison to an input dither signal to the modulator; comparing the output dither signal to the input dither signal to determine their difference; and, based on the difference between them, maintaining the bias point and the RF amplitude level at an optimum value by varying an input voltage to the modulator via the feedback loop.