High-sensitive Optical Pulse-Shape Characterization using a Beating-Contrast-Measurement Technique

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-sensitivity, high-resolution optical pulse-shape characterization method using beating-contrast-measurement, suitable for ultrafast optical signals in communication systems.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel technique based on beating contrast measurement for accurate, high-resolution pulse-shape analysis using standard telecom equipment.

Findings

Achieves pulse extinction ratio measurement up to 20 dB

Provides timing resolution of approximately 100 fs

Demonstrates compatibility with high repetition rate pulses

Abstract

Ultrahigh-speed optical transmission technology, such as optical time domain multiplexing or optical signal processing is a key point for increasing the communication capacity. The system performances are strongly related to pulse properties. We present an original method dedicated to short pulse-shape characterization with high repetition rate using standard optical telecommunications equipments. Its principle is based on temporal measurement of the contrast produced by the beating of two delayed optical pulses in a high bandwidth photo detector. This technique returns firstly reliable information on the pulse-shape, such as pulse width, shape and pedestal. Simulation and experimental results evaluate the high-sensitivity and the high-resolution of the technique allowing the measurement of pulse extinction ratio up to 20 dB with typical timing resolution of about 100 fs. The compatibility of the technique with high repetition rate pulse measurement offers an efficient tool for short pulse analysis.