All-optical digital-to-analog conversion using pulse pattern recognition based on optical correlation processing

We propose and demonstrate a novel all-optical digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion using pulse pattern recognition based on optical correlation processing. It is composed of pulse pattern recognition based on correlation processing and intensity adjustment using an optical attenuator. We obtain a single pulse as a result of pulse pattern recognition by using correlation processing between a target digital signal and a prepared correlation filter function. The obtained single pulse can be promptly fed to an output port as a corresponding analog signal through adequate intensity adjustment. Experimental results show that four-bit digital signals with 1.65ps interval can be successfully converted to analog signals corresponding to input digital signals.