Optical Time-Division Demultiplexing Using a Time-Lens-Assisted Mach–Zehnder Modulator

We propose to use a diverging time lens to equivalently minimize the time window of a LiNbO
³
Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) and promote its capability in optical time-division demultiplexing applications. A single MZM is demonstrated experimentally for fourfold 100-Gb/s tributary demultiplexing assisted with a phase modulator based diverging time lens. Error-free detection is achieved for all four channels and the power penalty at a bit-error-rate of 10
^-9
is 2.4 dB, 1.1 dB for the best channel.