Abstract

The optoelectronic multiplexing and demultiplexing of data is a common operation on optical communication links, and one that is becoming more important as these links become increasingly prevalent. These operations permit multiple electronic data streams to be combined onto and removed from a single optical link, taking advantage of the high link-bandwidth available. Demultiplexing places particularly stringent demands on optoelectronic components. In this paper, we describe a method for demultiplexing optical data that utilizes clocked-optical receivers. This method permits the extraction of signals without the need for optoelectronic circuits operating at the full multiplexed-data rate, provided synchronization and timing information are available.

© 1997 Optical Society of America