Arbitrary Waveform Generation System Using a Quantum Dash Optical Frequency Comb Source

We present an approach for microwave photonic (MWP) arbitrary waveform generation utilizing a quantum dash optical frequency comb source. Leveraging the availability of up to 41 comb lines and incorporating a real-time control feedback loop for precise comb shaping, we design a suite of MWP filters. Through the introduction of an ultra-short RF train, we obtain the impulse responses of the MWP filters, facilitating the construction of a versatile MWP arbitrary waveform generation system. In this study, we showcase the generation of rectangular, triangular, and sine burst waveforms. We can achieve an accuracy exceeding 90% in our generated waveform compared to the target waveform. Additionally, we demonstrate the tunability of the pulse width of rectangular and triangular waveforms, ranging from 0.62 ns to 4.56 ns, along with the adjustability of the triangular waveform slope. By manipulating the delay of the MWP filter, our system can also generate sine bursts, periodic sinusoids, and sinusoids with envelopes, with clock frequencies lower than that of the sinusoid itself.