Optoelectronic interferometric analog–digital converter

A detailed analysis is made of a high-speed optoelectronic analog–digital converter (ADC) based on waveguide interferometric modulators. A mathematical model is proposed for the description of the relationship between the characteristics of waveguide interferometric LiNbO₃ modulators and the conditions during their fabrication. Formulation is given of the requirements to be satisfied by the parameters of the technological process to ensure the required characteristics of modulators and optoelectronic ADCs based on them. The results are reported of the development and studies of a four-bit optoelectronic ADC with a conversion rate of 160 Mbit/sec.