Fast Switchable Wavelength Selective Integrated Optical True Time Delay Modules based on Ultralow loss, Athermal and Polarization Independent Waveguid

The objective of this proposal is to develop innovative fast switchable (~200ns), wavelength selective, integrated optical true time delay modules based on ultralow loss, athermal and polarization independent waveguide platform with an insertion loss of <3dB for 4 and 8-bit RF system and telecommunication applications. The proposed approach is based on wavelength selective time delay switching via a fast switchable tunable laser with wavelength selective delay lines. Passive wavelength selective time delays are provided by our record breaking ultra-low loss (i.e. <0.045dB/cm over O/C/L bands with a Dn of 1.6%) Teflon-based perfluoropolymer waveguide platform, where array waveguide gratings (AWGs) and delay lines are monolithically integrated. Fast reconfiguration is realized by a digitally switchable (i.e. 8-bit) tunable source based on Sample Grating Distributed Bragg Reflector (SGDBR) laser. In the proposed design, digital control of the TTD module can be processed at the SGDBR lasers with an 8-bit digital operation, while monolithically integrated AWG and delay lines provide all passive TTD signal processes, resulting in more simple system architecture. Furthermore, VLSI fabrication of monolithically integrated AWG and delay lines enable superior control of the resolution of the delay lines (~1micron), thus providing sub-picoseconds time delay control.