System and method for precise, accurate and stable optical timing information definition

摘要

An optoelectronic timing system includes an adaptive frequency generator system in which optical pulses are developed by a semiconductor laser. The pulses are directed into a number of time-quantifiable optical paths. Time quantification for a pulse is based upon the time required for a pulse to travel a particular length at the speed of light. Pulses are recombined at a nodal point and exhibit a numerical relationship with the periodicity of the issued pulse train equal to the numerical relationship between the lengths of the number of optical waveguides. A pulse detector and a regenerator are coupled to the semiconductor laser. A regeneration waveguide having a length equal to the longest of the optical paths is coupled to receive pulses from the laser. A pulse traveling the regeneration waveguide and directed to the pulse detector and regenerator triggers the laser to issue a next pulse, the physical length of the regeneration waveguide defining a fundamental frequency of the system and the number and lengths of the optical paths defining multiples of the fundamental frequency.