Programmable retiming of an optical clock signal using the temporal Talbot effect

Abstract

By using a Fourier processor based on the temporal Talbot effect and the properties of the Discrete Fourier Transform, we propose a scheme that adds an adjustable delay to a train of pulses while simultaneously preserving the clock recovery property of the Talbot effect. The obtained delay can be easily tuned by modifying only the electrical signal applied to an electro-optic modulator. Experimental results prove the validity of the proposal with a fine correspondence between the desired and measured delays all over a complete period of the signal.