Advances in frequency comb synthesis-based Nyquist pulse-train carver and applications in optical systems

We will review the recent advances made on Nyquist pulse-train carvers based on the synthesis of rectangular frequency combs. We will show how nonlinear effects can be exploited as a complement to the modulator-based comb synthesis in order to extend the bandwidth of the pulse generation. Pulse trains with width in the picosecond range and adjustable repetition rate are easily generated. Such sinc-shaped Nyquist pulses can show minimal inter-symbol interference time multiplexing and guard band free wavelength multiplexing using simple off-the-shelf components, thus ideal for telecommunication. Applications of the all-optical carver in transmission systems will be described. This pulse carver is also useful for the easy generation of pulse trains in any wavelength band for non-telecom application such as supercontinuum generation of wavelength conversion.