Novel, Programmable Broadband Fiber-Optic Delay Line Networks

The objective of this work is to develop new, digitally-programmable, fiber-optic delay lines for wideband microwave signals. Our unique approach will use novel, polymeric switches and electro-optical modulators together with a 1550 nm source and optical fiber amplifiers and fiber delay lines. The use of polymer switches and modulators provides not only very large bandwidth modulation but also fast switching time with low insertion loss and high isolation. The nonlinear optical polymers provide devices with large electro-optic coefficients, small dispersion, larger frequency response, and greater fabrication flexibility compared to titanium indiffused LiNbO(3) or GaAs waveguide technology. Various types of polymer-based modulators and switches with optical fiber amplifiers will be considered in Phase I for applications to programmable fiber-optic delay line networks and device development in Phase II. A prototype switch will be constructed and tested for a feasibility demonstration of the use of advanced nonlinear polymer materials for optical modulation and signal processing during an option task to Phase I. The use of polymer materials will provide improved frequency response (potentially to 100 GHz), fast switching speed, larger electro-optic effect, lower cost, and greater manufacturing flexibility.