Opto-electronic frequency divider circuit and method of operating same

A circuit for receiving an aggregate flow of optical signals including a first optical signal (Pin) obtained by optical time division multiplexing of a plurality of tributary flows of optical signals, each having a bit rate equal to a given frequency (f1), and wherein a signal (e2) is produced by frequency division which is synchronous with said tributary flows and forms a synchronism signal for demultiplexing the aggregate flow, said circuit comprising:

• nonlinear electro-optical mixer means receiving an input said first optical signal (Pin) at a frequency (f0) to be divided in addition to an electrical signal (e3) at said given frequency (f1) and to generate as an output a second optical signal (Pout) whose modulation spectrum includes, due to mixing action, a frequency corresponding to the difference between said frequency (f0) to be divided and at least one harmonic of said given frequency (f1) generated by nonlinear behavior of said mixer means;
• a feedback path connected to said mixer means and comprising opto-electronic converter means for converting said second optical signal (Pout) into an electrical conversion signal (e1) returned to said electro-optical mixer means;
• filtering means along said feedback path for extracting from said spectrum the component at said difference frequency;
• and
• extracting means along said feedback path for deriving from said feedback path a signal (e2) at said difference frequency and resulting from frequency division.