Acoustic-optic programmable delay line using laser diodes

Abstract

We designed a programmable delay line using laser diodes to tap an acousto-optic cell. The laser diodes optically tap the Bragg cell at vaxying distances from the transducer to create delayed versions of the input signaL We describe the optical architecture that uses heterodyne detection to collect delayed versions of the input signal. We present experimental results that veiify system perfonnance. Applications for the delay line include radar and signal processing systems.