Title :
Comparison between nonlinear and linear spectrographic techniques for the complete characterization of high bit-rate pulses used in optical communications
Author :
Thomsen, Benn C. ; Roelens, Michaël A F ; Watts, Regan T. ; Richardson, David J.
Author_Institution :
Opt. Networks Group, Univ. Coll. London, UK
Abstract :
Two spectrographic techniques for the complete characterization (amplitude and phase) of optical pulses with durations commensurate with high bit-rate communications systems (2-30 ps) are experimentally compared. We show that a highly sensitive linear sampling technique utilizing an electroabsorption modulator gives accurate results when compared to a nonlinear sampling technique based on second-harmonic generation over a range of pulse durations from 2-33 ps.
Keywords :
electro-optical modulation; electroabsorption; high-speed optical techniques; optical fibre communication; optical harmonic generation; sampling methods; spectroscopy; 2 to 33 ps; electroabsorption modulator; high bit-rate communication systems; high bit-rate pulses; linear sampling; linear spectrographic technique; nonlinear spectrographic technique; optical communications; optical pulse characterization; second-harmonic generation; Bandwidth; Nonlinear optics; Optical fiber communication; Optical interferometry; Optical pulse generation; Optical pulses; Optical sensors; Pulse measurements; Pulse modulation; Sampling methods; High-speed transmission; optical communications; optical pulse characterization;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/LPT.2005.853261
