Symmetrical waveform generation based on temporal pulse shaping using amplitude-only modulator

Symmetrical waveform generation based on temporal pulse shaping using only an amplitude modulator is proposed and investigated. The fundamental principle of this technique is that the Fourier transform of a real and symmetrical waveform is still real and symmetrical. Therefore, it is possible to use an electro-optic modulator that is biased at the minimum transmission point to perform temporal spectrum shaping with a real signal that has both positive and negative values. The proposed approach provides a simple and effective solution to ultrashort symmetrical waveform generation