Tunable GigaHertz Optical Clock Generator

In order to provide 100 GHz clock signals for the next generation of highly parallel optical signal processors, Semi-Custom Logic, Inc., (SLI), proposes to develop a miniature integrated Tunable GigaHertz Optical Clock Generator (TGOCG) that can provide ultra-stable high speed clock recovery with tunability from 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Current clock generation techniques are limited by the available bandwidth of the electronic approach, or the bulky configuration and fixed rate of the optical approach. SLI's TGOCG is based on mature GaAs/InP technology, which can provide miniature configuration and high integration capability with standard opto-electronic integrated circuits (OEIC). SLI's TGOCG will provide a cost-effective clock generation solution for the next generation of diversified optical systems. The wideband clock tunability (1-100 GHz) will significantly benefit military applications. For commercial applications, a stable short pulse train is needed for optical fiber networks and high bit rate time division multiplexed systems.