Generation of Versatile Waveforms From CW Light Using a Dual-Drive Mach-Zehnder Modulator and Employing Chromatic Dispersion

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze waveform generation using a single-stage dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator and a dispersive fiber. We derive a mathematical expression for the waveform generation process in the time domain and use this to propose a waveform generation algorithm. Furthermore, versatile waveforms, such as short pulse, trapezoidal, triangular and sawtooth waveforms and doublet pulse, are theoretically generated under different combinations of the four variables. The generated waveforms are analyzed in terms of the gradient and the instantaneous frequency. Finally, the waveform generation is experimentally demonstrated at the repetition rate of 10 GHz.