Patent ID: 6717708
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
An optical pulse generator for receiving a continuous wave optical signal and producing a series of pulses, the optical pulse generator comprising:a Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM) having a first input arm for receiving the continuous wave optical signal, a second input arm, a first output arm for producing the series of pulses, and a second output arm, and configured to operate such that substantially none of a continuous wave optical signal enters the second output arm when the MZM is not being driven by a variable voltage; a feedback arm coupling the second output arm to the second input arm, and having a length such that a signal travelling in a loop around the MZM and the feedback arm has a propagation time given by Ï„=(2&it;n+1)&it;T2where n is a non-negative integer and T is a pulse period of the pulses; anda Direct Current phase adjuster in the feedback arm.