Ultrafast differential sample and hold using low temperature grown GaAs MSM for photonic A/D conversion

Summary form only given.Many proposed photonic ADC systems consist of an input electrical signal biasing an optical modulator whose output is optically demultiplexed to an array of electrical ADCs. However, the speed and linearity of the optical modulator limit the performance of these systems. To circumvent this problem, we propose a sample and hold scheme utilizing LT grown GaAs MSM switches. The short recombination lifetime and high mobility of LT grown GaAs allow high-speed operation with good sensitivity. Optically triggered by a short pulse laser, the switches would be attached to a transmission line and would sample the input electrical signal onto a hold capacitor.