Recent Progress in Optical Fiber-Based Analog-to-Digital Conversion for High-Speed Applications

Abstract

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in optical fiber-based Analog-To-Digital Conversion (ADC) technologies, specifically focusing on their application in high-speed contexts. Optical fiber-based ADCs have emerged as a transformative technology, influencing optical signals' high-speed and high-bandwidth capabilities to achieve rapid and precise analog-to-digital conversion. The article delves into crucial developments in optical sampling techniques, such as time-stretch ADCs and optical sampling with mode-locked lasers, which enable unprecedented sampling rates reaching Giga Samples per Second (GS/s) and Tera Samples per Second (TS/s). The review examines the integration of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) with optical ADCs, highlighting how advancements in waveguide design, on-chip light sources, and detectors contribute to improved performance, miniaturization, and cost-efficiency. It also contrasts optical fiber-based ADCs with traditional electronic ADCs, emphasizing their superior resolution, Signal-To-Noise Ratio (SNR), and dynamic range in high-speed applications. Applications discussed include telecommunications, where optical ADCs facilitate high-speed data transmission and processing; high-frequency trading, where minimal latency is critical; radar systems, benefiting from enhanced imaging capabilities; and scientific research and medical imaging, where precision and rapid data acquisition are essential.

The article concludes with an outlook on future directions, noting potential integration, performance, and cost reduction advancements. It anticipates broader adoption across various industries and integration with emerging technologies like quantum computing and artificial intelligence, further expanding the capabilities and applications of optical fiber-based ADCs.