Dynamic optical arbitrary waveform generation and detection in InP photonic integrated circuits for Tb/s optical communications

This article presents recent results in the development of optical arbitrary waveform generation (OAWG) technologies based on optical frequency combs and indium phosphide devices. A novel spectral-slice dynamic-OAWG approach and waveform shapers with customized spectral multiplexers and modulators, enable continuous generation of high fidelity optical waveforms accessing bandwidths in excess of 1 THz. We show results for two types integrated waveform shapers, a 100 GHz electrically controlled device with 10 channels spaced at 10 GHz and a 1 THz optically controlled device with 100 channels spaced at 10 GHz. Additionally, we include results from a 640 GHz waveform measurement device with 16 channels and 40 GHz spacing.

Research Highlights► A spectral slice approach to optical arbitrary waveform generation and measurement. ► High-fidelity waveforms without update-rate limitations (continuous waveforms). ► Optical-optical modulation scheme enables large channel counts. ► Show 20 GHz, 100 ns and 400 GHz, 100 ps DPSK/QPSK telecommunication waveforms.