Low-Loss Miniature Optical Time Delay Modules

Leveraging our industry leading photonic delay commercial product offerings, Agiltron proposes to develop next-generation 8-bit time delay modules that meet the challenging requirements of lower insertion loss, higher switching speed, low weight, and low cost. Next-level performance will be achieved through a novel configuration employing a new precision glass micro-optic fiber assembly technology combined with core-expanded fibers, promising a several fold device miniaturization. The development provides an inexpensive, compact and low loss fiber optic module for emerging microwave photonic applications. Our approach incorporates a state-of-the-art design in combination with proven fiber optic component manufacturing techniques to realize a practical optical digital time delay. The proposed all-solid-state switch overcomes speed and long-term reliability limitations associated with other approaches. Phase I has successfully demonstrated the low loss and highly compact fiber-optic 8-bit reconfigurable true time delay having performance specifications not attained before, validating this innovative approach. We propose continued development of this high-speed fiber-optic 8 bit true time delay device by further reducing device size and to achieve lower loss and higher thermal stability. Pre-production prototypes with electronic control circuit and algorithm will be produced and tested by our defense-industry customers in Phase II.