Abstract A novel bridge type optoelectronic (OE) sample and hold circuit based upon current steering is proposed for the first time and is experimentally tested. Experimental comparsion between this circuit and the conventional direct OEsample and hold circuit shows that the bridge type is clearly superior inperformance to the direct OE circuit. When a high speed signal is sampled with high accuracy, the bridge type OE sample and hold circuit offers high charging capability, commanding signal isolation, and reduced time jitter, distinct advantages over electronic sample and hold circuits,