Analogue-to-digital conversion using integrated electro-optic interferometers

The design, fabrication and performance of integrated electro-optic Mach-Zehnder interferometers is described. Operation of a 4-bit analogue-to-digital convertor comprising an array of interferometers with an integral optical input distributor has been demonstrated. Good high-frequency performance is indicated by the results of signal/noise measurements on the output signal.