Letter abstract
Nature Photonics 3, 139 - 143 (2009)
Published online: 15 February 2009 | doi:10.1038/nphoton.2009.1
Subject Categories: Nonlinear optics | Optoelectronic devices and components | Novel materials and engineered structures
Photonic-chip-based radio-frequency spectrum analyser with terahertz bandwidth
Mark Pelusi1, Feng Luan1, Trung D. Vo1, Michael R. E. Lamont1, Steven J. Madden2, Douglas A. Bulla2, Duk-Yong Choi2, Barry Luther-Davies2 & Benjamin J. Eggleton1
Abstract
Signal processing at terahertz speeds calls for an enormous leap in bandwidth beyond the current capabilities of electronics, for which practical operation is currently limited to tens of gigahertz1. This can be achieved through all-optical schemes making use of the ultrafast response of 
(3) nonlinear waveguides2. Towards this objective, we have developed compact planar rib waveguides based on As2S3 glass, providing a virtual 'lumped' high nonlinearity in a monolithic platform capable of integrating multiple functions. Here, we apply it to demonstrate, for the first time, a photonic-chip-based, all-optical, radio-frequency spectrum analyser with the performance advantages of distortion-free, broad measurement bandwidth (>2.5 THz) and flexible wavelength operation (that is, colourless). The key to this is the waveguide's high optical nonlinearity and dispersion-shifted design. Using the device, we characterize high-bit-rate (320 Gb s-1) optical signals impaired by various distortions. The demonstrated ultrafast, broadband capability highlights the potential for integrated chip-based signal processing at bit rates approaching and beyond Tb s-1.
- CUDOS, Institute for Photonic Optical Sciences (IPOS), School of Physics, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- CUDOS, Laser Physics Centre, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
Correspondence to: Mark Pelusi1 e-mail: m.pelusi@physics.usyd.edu.au
