Background-Free Arbitrary Waveform Generation via Polarization Pulse Shaping

A new technique for photonic synthesis of background-free arbitrary electrical waveforms is demonstrated. Optical intensity waveforms exhibiting complementary modulation are synthesized via polarization pulse shaping; balanced photodetection is then utilized to suppress the waveform pedestal in the electrical domain. This work demonstrates more than 25-dB suppression of unwanted low-frequency content which is within 5 dB of the limit set by the balanced photodiode.