title: Fiber optic delay line memory.
abstract: A model for digital synchronous delay line memory (DSDLM) is given, yielding limitations on the maximum number of bits that can be reliably stored for a given change in delay medium temperature and amount of medium dispersion. More than 22 million bits can be stored when single-mode optical fiber is used as the medium, but only if operated at the wavelength of minimum dispersion and by limiting thermal fluctuations to within 0.002 degrees C. A DSDLM is being constructed using such fiber, along with lithium niobate directional couplers as the switching elements. Signal regeneration errors, switch crosstalk, and polarization losses are negligible for the implementation. With a modulation frequency of 100 MHz, a single-line 2000-bit memory can be reliably operated without thermal compensation given a temperature fluctuation of <80 degrees C.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Sarrazin
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: V P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Heuring