Phase dynamics of a timing extraction system based on an optically injection-locked self-oscillating bipolar heterojunction phototransistor

We describe the phase dynamics of a timing extraction system based on direct optical injection locking of a multifrequency oscillator employing an InGaAs/InP heterojunction bipolar phototransistor. We present a general model for the locking range, jitter transfer function, and output phase noise. The model is confirmed by a series of locking experiments. We consider first fundamental timing extraction, that is, a 10-GHz oscillator extracting the clock from a 10-Gbit/s data stream. Second, we address superharmonic timing extraction where 40-Gbit/s data lock the fourth harmonic of the 10-GHz oscillator. In the superharmonic timing extraction case, a clock is extracted at 40 GHz as well as its subharmonics at 10, 20, and 30 GHz.