Design and characterization of a 54-um acousto-optic delay line

Christopher Scott Anderson; Michael C. Zari

doi:10.1117/12.179118

29 June 1994 Design and characterization of a 54-μs acousto-optic delay line

Christopher Scott Anderson, Michael C. Zari

Proceedings Volume 2240, Advances in Optical Information Processing VI; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.179118
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1994, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

This paper documents the design and characterization of a 54-microsecond(s) , continuously variable, acousto-optic delay line developed for radar testing applications. The operating principles of this new common-path delay line architecture are reviewed, and key component selection issues are discussed. Ultimately, the characteristics of these key components limit the achievable performance of the completed delay line. For example, the laser diode introduces high frequency noise at the output of the delay line. This noise, which is a direct function of the relative intensity noise of the laser, is the limit to the output noise floor. Bragg cell design is presented with emphasis on the minimization of multiple time-delayed signals caused by acoustic reflections. A computer design and analysis tool is introduced that predicts delay line performance in terms of bandwidth, insertion loss, and acoustic attenuation for this slow shear, tellurium dioxide (TeO₂) based delay line. Experimental results are presented showing 10-MHz operating bandwidth at a 33-MHz center frequency. The 3-dB bandwidth is maintained over delays ranging from 0.75 to 54 microsecond(s) .

Citation Download Citation

Christopher Scott Anderson and Michael C. Zari "Design and characterization of a 54-μs acousto-optic delay line", Proc. SPIE 2240, Advances in Optical Information Processing VI, (29 June 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.179118

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available