Wide-range and high-resolution variable optical delay
AssigneePetaComm, Inc.
InventorsSeungug Koh, Sadeg M. Faris
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Variable optical delay (VOD) systems are provided that include optical switching techniques, and optical manifold techniques, and/or index switching techniques. In certain embodiments, liquid crystal cells are used to impart fine delay in a VOD system. Medium delay may be provided with index switching systems. Course delay may be provided with total-internal-reflection or polarization based optical manifold systems, or micro-fluidic based optical manifold systems. These fine, medium and course delays may be integrated in a single VOD system to provide a wide range and high resolution delay.
Claims23
A variable optical delay system comprising a refractive index switching system wherein upon passage of an optical signal through the refractive index switching system, a delay is imparted by a fluid within a fluid-holding region, said fluid selected from the group consisting of air and one or more refractive liquids.
A variable optical delay system comprising optical manifolds including one or more index switching systems, the index switching system including:
- one or more fluid holding regions capable of having at least 2 different fluids exchanged therein, said fluid selected from the group consisting of air and one or more refractive liquids,
- wherein said one or more regions are positioned within a folded optical path to allow pass-through or delay depending on the choice of fluid in the region.
A variable optical delay system including optical switching subsystem, an optical manifold subsystem;
- and a refractive index switching system, said a refractive index switching system comprising:
- one or more fluid holding regions capable of having at least 2 different fluids exchanged therein, said fluid selected from the group consisting of air and one or more refractive liquids, wherein upon passage of an optical signal through the refractive index switching system, a delay is imparted by a fluid within the fluid-holding region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.