Programmable Fiber Optic Delay Line Development

A programmable fiber optic delay line system for microwave signal storage will be designed and analyzed, and optical switch technology for use in the system will be perfected. The delay line will consist of fifteen 2x2 optical switches connected by single mode fiber sections of unequal length. A key component in the system is the all-fiber piezoelectrically actuated switch developed at Texas A&M University and transferred to FFPI Industries for commercialization. Other components include a distributed feedback laser diode, an electrooptic modulator, Er:fiber amplifiers, a photodetector, and a microwave amplifier. Goals of the Phase I project are: (1) develop a cost-effective design for a system meeting the Army's requirements, (2) provide specifications for the system components, (3) identify potential component suppliers, (4) model system performance, (5) conduct laboratory tests on all-fiber switches, and (6) document the Phase I results. An option task to develop a prototype of an all-fiber switch for use in the Phase II project is also proposed.