Novel method of synchronizing the pulse carver and electroabsorption data modulator in a RZ optical transmitter

We demonstrate a novel solution to detect and correct the temporal misalignment of the data modulator and pulse carver in the high-speed return-to-zero optical transmitter. The device achieves the correct timing between the pulse carver and electroabsorption modulator by minimizing the chirp of the optical data pulses. The technique is independent of the bit-rate and channel spacing, and can be implemented at low cost. The device can also be used as a wavelength locker, further minimizing the component cost.