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Wavelength controlled optical true time delay generator

  • US 5,461,687 A
  • Filed: 03/18/1992
  • Issued: 10/24/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/18/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for producing a time delay in an optical signal, said apparatus comprising:

  • input means for receiving said optical signal;

    optical coupler means having input, output and interface points, said optical coupler receiving said optical signal from said input means at said coupler input point, and routing it out of said coupler at said interface point, said coupler means also directing optical signals entering said interface point out of said coupler at said output point;

    time delay unit coupled to said coupler interface point for directing said optical signal along a path and directing said signal back to said interface point, the time delay unit including a dispersive element for reflecting said optical signal at an angle that is a function of the wavelength of the optical signal, said time delay unit including a reflecting means for reflecting said optical signal back to said dispersive element along an optical path whose length is a function of said angle, wherein the total path length of said optical signal in said time delay unit depends on its optical wavelength; and

    light output means coupled to said coupler output point, whereby the total time it takes said optical signal to travel from said input means to said output means depends on its wavelength.

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