Delay-line-free high-speed electro-optic sampler

Abstract

By employing an optoelectronic phase shifter as a delay-time controller to replace the conventional opto-mechanic delay line, a delay-line-free high-speed electro-optic sampling (EOS) System is proposed as a novel and unique module which overcomes the drawbacks of conventional electro-optic sampling system, such as the measuring distortion caused by misalignment of probe beam and difficulty in sampling of free-running high-speed transients. Versatile configurations of PLL circuits suitable for modifying as an ODTC in the EOS system are interpreted and the performance of the ODTC such as maximum tuning range, linearity, speed, and resolution are determined. The waveform sampling of the free-running sinusoidal microwave signal, the digital signal output from a frequency divider (or prescaler), and the electrical pulse generated by the comb generator are demonstrated.