US Patent 7848659 Optical transmitting apparatus and optical communication system

A data modulator unit generates a DQPSK optical signal in accordance with a data signal. A phase shift unit provides a phase difference of π/2 between a pair of arms. A photodetector converts an output signal of the data modulator unit into an electrical signal. A filter is a low-pass filter with a cut-off frequency lower than a symbol frequency, and filters an output signal of the photodetector. A monitor unit detects power of an output signal of the filter. A phase difference control unit adjusts the amount of phase shift in the phase shift unit so as to minimize power of an output signal of the filter.