Method and system for optical spectrum analysis with matched filter detection

A method for optical spectrum analysis that utilizes optical heterodyne detection comprising steps of:

• providing an input signal;
• providing a swept local oscillator signal;
• combining said input signal with said swept local oscillator signal to create a combined optical signal;
• detecting said combined optical signal to generate a heterodyne beat signal;
• splitting said heterodyne beat signal into multiple heterodyne beat signals;
• filtering said multiple heterodyne beat signals with matched filters;
• and
• generating, from said filtered heterodyne beat signals, an output signal that is indicative of an optical parameter of said input signal.

A system for optical spectrum analysis comprising:

• an optical coupler having a first input and a second input, said first input being optically connected to receive an input signal, said second input being optically connected to receive a swept local oscillator signal, said optical coupler having an output for outputting a combined optical signal that includes said input signal and said swept local oscillator signal;
• a heterodyne receiver having an input for receiving said combined optical signal from said optical coupler and an output for outputting a heterodyne beat signal that is representative of said combined optical signal;
• and
• a signal processor for receiving said heterodyne beat signal from said optical receiver and for generating an output signal that is indicative of an optical parameter of said input signal;
• said signal processor including a matched filter unit for filtering said heterodyne beat signal before said output signal is generated.