Novel, Programmable Broadband Fiber-Optic Delay Line Networks.
Abstract
The objective of this Phase I work is to develop new designs and approaches to digitally- programmable, fiber-optic delay lines for wideband microwave signals. Our unique approach will use novel, polymeric switches and electro-optical modulators together with a 1550 nm source and optical - fiber amplifiers and fiber delay lines. The use of polymer switches and modulators provides not only very large bandwidth modulation but also fast switching time with low insertion loss and high isolation. The nonlinear optical polymers provide devices with large electro-optic coefficients, small dispersion, larger frequency response (potentially to 100 GMz), fast switching speed, and greater * fabrication flexibility compared to LiNbO3 or GaAs waveguide technology. Various types of polymer-based modulators and switches with optical fiber amplifiers were considered in Phase I for applications to programmable fiber-optic delay line networks and device development in Phase II. Military applications include radar simulation and other microwave and millimeter wave uses. The development of these devices will eventually lead to the use of modulators and switches in photonic integrated circuits. Modulator applications include single or multichannel RF distribution, cable TV distribution, analog sensor data links, radar signal distribution, and other fiber-optic systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 12, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA302299
Entities
People
- James H. Bechtel