Optical Arbitrary Waveform Generator Using Incoherent Microwave Photonic Filtering

[EN] We propose a novel optical arbitrary waveform generator which allows us to control the generated waveform both in terms of the signal shape and the frequency tuning. The system is based on the amplitude modulation of a broadband signal which is sliced by a MachZehnder interferometer and transmitted over a single-mode fiber link. The shape of the generated waveform can be controlled by the proper adjustment of the optical source power spectrum and its central frequency can be tuned using the MachZehnder interferometer. We have experimentally demonstrated and theoretically validated the generation of signals with different shape achieving a frequency operation range of the system up to 40 GHz. © 2011 IEEE.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) under project 212.352 ALPHA "Architectures for fLexible Photonic Home and Access networks." This work was supported by "Ajudes per a la realitzacio de projectes precompetitius de I+D per a equips d'investigacio" GVPRE/2008/250 supported by the Generalitat Valenciana and PROMETEO GVA 2008/092 MICROWAVE PHOTONICS and complementary help for I+D projects for quality groups by Generalitat Valenciana ACOMP/2010/196.Bolea Boluda, M.; Mora Almerich, J.; Ortega Tamarit, B.; Capmany Francoy, J. (2011). Optical Arbitrary Waveform Generator Using Incoherent Microwave Photonic Filtering. IEEE Photonics Technology Letters. 23(10):618-620. https://doi.org/10.1109/LPT.2011.2116778618620231