High speed pulse train generator

An apparatus for generating a pulse train, comprising:

• means for generating a series of input pulses with decreasing amplitudes;
• and
• a fiber optic delay line connected to receive said series of pulses from said generating means for producing an output pulse train group comprising a first series of output pulses, said decreasing amplitudes related so that each of said first series of output pulses within said group has substantially the same amplitude.

An apparatus for generating a pulse train comprising:

• a first splice-free fiber optic recirculating delay line for recirculating light pulses, said delay line having a length selected to impose a first delay on an input light pulse each time said input pulse recirculates through said delay line, said delay line generating a first train of pulses which are spaced by said first delay;
• and
• a second splice-free fiber optic recirculating delay line connected to receive said first train of pulses from said first delay line having a length so as to impose a second delay on said first train such that a second train of pulses is generated for each of said pulses in said first train.

A method of producing groups of equal-amplitude pulses comprising:

• introducing an input pulse train into an input waveguide, each successive input pulse of said input train having an amplitude smaller than that of the previously input pulse of said input train so that the amplitude of said input train decreases with time;
• and
• generating an output pulse train for each of said input pulses and interleaving said output pulse trains to generate groups of equal-amplitude pulses.

A method of generating a pulse train comprising the steps of:

• introducing an input pulse into a first fiber optic delay line having a first propagation delay to produce an input pulse train;
• and
• introducing said input pulse train into a second fiber optic delay line with a second propagation delay to produce an output pulse train for each pulse in said input pulse train to produce an interleaved output pulse train.