A system and method for generating an optical return-to-zero signal. The system includes an electro-optical conversion system. The electro-optical conversion system is configured to receive an input electrical non-return-to-zero signal, process information associated with the input electrical non-return-to-zero signal, and generate a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal based on at least information associated with the input electrical non-return-to-zero signal. Additionally, the electro-optical conversion system is configured to delay a second electrical signal with respect to the first electrical signal by a predetermined period of time, process information associated with the first electrical signal and the delayed second electrical signal, and generate an output optical return-to-zero signal based on at least information associated with the first electrical signal and the delayed second electrical signal. The output optical return-to-zero signal is an optical differential return-to-zero signal, and the output optical return-to-zero signal is substantially free from any frequency chirp.