Time-Domain Waveform Synthesis Using a Dual-Polarization Modulator

This letter proposes a time-domain waveform synthesis based on a dual-polarization modulator that is driven by single-frequency radio frequency signals. This is achieved by applying a dual-polarization modulator to generate a polarization multiplexed optical signal. By controlling the parameters of the driving signals, multiple waveforms can be generated by synthesizing optical intensity profiles along two orthogonal polarization states. Compared with previously reported signal generators, the proposed time-domain waveform synthesizer is simple, compact, and easy to implement. The generation of triangular, flat-top, and sawtooth pulse trains with 5- and 10-GHz repetition rates are demonstrated in this letter. The results indicate that the proposed system is feasible and would find applications in optical signal processing and microwave photonic signal processing systems.