Impact of 3rd-order dispersion on photonic time-stretch system

Abstract In this paper, we present a particular theoretical analysis of the impact of 3rd-order dispersion on the photonic time-stretch (PTS) system. Analytical expressions of all harmonics with time-dependent attenuation caused by 3rd-order dispersion of the PTS system are derived, for the first time to the best of our knowledge. The theoretical analysis is based on strict derivation rather than small signal modulation. The effectiveness of the analytical model is verified by a simulated experiment. Our proposed theoretical analysis has guidance role for PTS system design.