Patent · US Expired

Fast variable optical delay

US6674930B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
3References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 8, 2001
Grant dateJan 6, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 23, 2021

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.