| Abstract: | An optical sampler includes a first and second 1.times.n optical beam
splitters splitting an input optical sampling signal and an optical
analog input signal into n parallel channels, respectively, a plurality
of optical delay elements providing n parallel delayed input optical
sampling signals, n photodiodes converting the n parallel optical analog
input signals into n respective electrical output signals, and n optical
modulators modulating the input optical sampling signal or the optical
analog input signal by the respective electrical output signals, and
providing n successive optical samples of the optical analog input
signal. A plurality of output photodiodes and eADCs convert the n
successive optical samples to n successive digital samples. The optical
modulator may be a photodiode interconnected Mach-Zehnder Modulator. A
method of sampling the optical analog input signal is disclosed. |