High repetition pulse generation using LiNbO3 modulators

Subsystems based on LiNbO3 modulators are attractive because the modulators are now commercially available, can operate up to very high speeds, and can operate over a wide wavelength range. We describe the principle of operation and performance of high repetition rate pulsed sources based on LiNbO3 modulators. We have generated transform limited pulses at 20 GHz repetition rate with a pulsewidth of 8 ps and at 40 GHz repetition rate with a pulsewidth of 6.5 ps using two modulators in series. These modulators were driven by sinusoidal signals at 10 GHz. The analysis shows generation of shorter pulses at higher repetition rate is feasible with higher bandwidth modulators.