Widely Distributed Optical Clock

To address the Navy need to distribute a pulse-based clock signal with low jitter (20 GHz), Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Widely Distributed Optical Clock (W-DOC) system. This proposed W-DOC is based on hybrid integration of state-of-the-art optoelectronic components and an optical waveguide platform. This novel system integration of low-noise components and packaging and phase-lock loops to suppress jitter to its quantum limit at this elevated speed, will provide a reliable clock system for the Navy. The electrical clocking will be converted, transmitted, and widely distributed in the optical domain over a long distance and recovered where the signal is needed. An innovative hybrid conversion between return-to-zero and non-return-to-zero logic supports unprecedented performance by optimizing between optoelectronic and electrical components. The new all-passive optoelectronic assembly not only reduces cost but also offers flexibility in future maintenance and upgrades because of its modular design. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the W-DOC system by designing, fabricating, and testing a prototype system and establishing a simulation model. In Phase II, POC plans to continue optimizing the technology and advancing the technical readiness level.