Time shared lightwave reference frequency distribution for photonics networks

Time shared lightwave reference frequency distribution is demonstrated using a pulsed lightwave sweep frequency generator, tracking generators, and a linear repeater. The reference lightwave, which contains over 1000 frequencies in 250 MHz steps, is generated using a dynamically gain controlled erbium-doped fiber amplifier and acoust-optical deflector. Continuous lightwave frequencies locked to the distributed time shared reference frequency are generated over a 200 GHz range with an instability of only /spl plusmn/5 MHz. Absolute lightwave frequency from the tracking generator is confirmed by a frequency chain between two hydrogen cyanide gas cell stabilized lightwave sources. The effect of fiber nonlinearity encountered in frequency distribution, a dynamically gain stabilized linear repeater, and system design are also discussed.