Patent ID: 6100831
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: G02F,H03M

Abstract:
An analog-to-digital converter system comprising:a pulsed laser source for producing laser pulses which have a predetermined wavelength band, which have a pulse duration shorter than picoseconds and which define an inter-pulse period therebetween;an optical pulse processing means for one-to-one mapping of spectral components of said wavelength band onto time components over said inter-pulse period so as to thereby create a quasi-continuous optical carrier;an electro-optical modulator for modulating said optical carrier with a radio frequency input signal so as to produce an amplitude modulated optical output signal;a wavelength division demultiplexer, having an input and a plurality of outputs, for receiving said modulated optical output signal at said input and for separating, based on wavelength, said modulated optical output signal into a plurality of separate channels at said outputs so as to produce a like plurality of separated signals;a like plurality of photodetectors, each connected to one of said outputs, for converting said separated signals into a like plurality of analog electrical signals; anda like plurality of analog to digital converters for converting said analog electrical signals into digital signals.