A Novel Sold-State Optical Temporal Analyzer with Picosecond Resolution and Picowatt Sensitivity
Abstract
The goal of this Phase I SBIR program was to demonstrate the feasibility and characterize a novel picosecond optical temporal analyzer based on a new 1-ps resolution photodetector. The detector/analyzer system integrates the photodetector on the same chip with a similar laser activated sampling gate. The sensor is called a Sampling Optical Temporal Analyzer, or SOTA. We have fabricated and tested this device to determine its ultimate speed, sensitivity, and dynamic range. The SOTA's system response was found to be 1.4 ps with a sensitivity of 100 pW. This is the world's fastest, most compact, ultrasensitive, picosecond optical waveform analyzer. It is completely solid- state and has a measured dynamic range of 80 dB. The potential of this technology for dual-use applications is extensive, reaching into the medical, scientific, optical communications, and automotive industries. The speed, sensitivity, and dynamic range of the SOTA, coupled with its ability to be mass produced using conventional microfabrication, offers us a unique opportunity to develop a new and greatly advanced high speed optoelectronic sensor technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA266804
Entities
People
- Steven Williamson