Fast variable optical delay
US6356677B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/29356
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method introduces variable time offsets into a stream of optical pulses. The method includes receiving a plurality of coherent optical pulses, receiving a plurality of control signals, and forming a coherent pulse array (CPA) from each pulse in response to one of the received control signals. Temporal spacings between pulses of each CPA are responsive to the associated one of the received control signals. For optical control signals, response times can be very short. The method further includes transmitting each pulse through a dispersive optical medium. The act of transmitting makes pulses of each CPA overlap to form an interference pattern.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.