High-dynamic-range hybrid analog-digital control broadband optical spectral processor using micromirror and acousto-optic devices.
For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the design and demonstration of a programmable spectral filtering processor is presented that simultaneously engages the power of an analog-mode optical device such as an acousto-optic tunable filter and a digital-mode optical device such as the digital micromirror device. The demonstrated processor allows a high 50 dB attenuation dynamic range across the chosen 1530-1565 nm (~C band). The hybrid analog-digital spectral control mechanism enables the processor to operate with greater versatility when compared to analog- or digital-only processor designs. Such a processor can be useful both as a test instrument in biomedical applications and as an equalizer in fiber communication networks.
Photonic Information Processing Systems Laboratory, The College of Optics/Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL), University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-2700, USA. riza@creol.ucf.edu
Nabeel A
NA
Riza
Syed Azer
SA
Reza