A novel optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) module based on
hybrid-integrated optical chips is disclosed. An integrated modulator
chip generates optical RZ signal streams which are then interleaved in an
integrated time-delay chip to produce an OTDM signal. The integrated
modulator chip is coupled and secured to the integrated time-delay chip
via a suitable optical index-matching layer or collimating lenses. Such
an approach alleviates the stability problems offered by conventional
fiber-based OTDM technology and aids in reducing the size and complexity
as well as lowering the cost for the assembly. Furthermore, the
time-delay chip of the present invention offers fine tuning capabilities
thereby allowing for slight adjustments in the interleaving of optical
signal streams when non-standard data transmission rates are required.