A novel sample and hold system using an optical modulator

A novel sample and hold (S/H) system that uses an optical intensity modulator as a sampling head is proposed. Experiments as well as the theoretical studies are carried out to evaluate the system performance. At least a 1-GHz bandwidth and up to a 250-Msps operation of the S/H is verified experimentally. The potential of this new system for broadband and high-speed operation is discussed in comparison with conventional diode-bridge-type S/H circuitry.<
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