Physically compact variable optical delay element having wide adjustment range

Abstract

A variable optical delay element that is physically compact introduces time delays to an applied optical signal. The variable optical delay element includes a pair of substantially parallel members, each having a linear reflective surface facing the reflective surface of the other member. An input lens secured to a first end of the first linear member collimates an optical beam launched by an input fiber while an output lens secured to a second member focuses the collimated optical beam onto an optical output fiber. A first actuator adjusts the offset relationship between the members in a direction parallel to the pair of members to designate the number of reflections of the collimated optical beam by the reflective surfaces before being received by the output lens. A second actuator adjusts the distance separating the linear reflectors. The optical signal is delayed by a predefined time interval by adjusting the offset positions of the members and the distance separating the members.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.