Mach-zehnder based optical marker/comb generator for streak camera calibration

摘要

This disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for generating marker and comb indicia in an optical environment using a Mach-Zehnder (M-Z) modulator. High speed recording devices are configured to record image or other data defining a high speed event. To calibrate and establish time reference, the markers or combs are indicia which serve as timing pulses (markers) or a constant-frequency train of optical pulses (comb) to be imaged on a streak camera for accurate time based calibration and time reference. The system includes a camera, an optic signal generator which provides an optic signal to an M-Z modulator and biasing and modulation signal generators configured to provide input to the M-Z modulator. An optical reference signal is provided to the M-Z modulator. The M-Z modulator modulates the reference signal to a higher frequency optical signal which is output through a fiber coupled link to the streak camera.

主权项

1. A marker or comb generator for generating optical markers or optical combs for calibration during image recordation of an event:
a reference signal generator configured to generate a pulse stream; a driver configured to receive and amplify the pulse stream to a magnitude for driving an optic signal generator; an optic signal generator configured to generate an optic reference signal representing the pulse stream; a bias modulator configured to generate a bias signal; a signal generator configured to generate a high frequency modulation signal; a Mach-Zehnder modulator configured to receive the optic reference signal, the bias signal, and the high frequency modulation signal to generate optical markers or combs at a higher frequency than the reference signal; and an image recording device configured to record an event to create a recorded image and superimpose the optical markers or optical combs on the recorded image to thereby establish timing calibration or temporal reference on the recorded image.