MEMS Variable Photonic Time Delay

The MEMS Series Photonic Time Delay digitally varies the delay time inside a fibre with exceptionally large range (maximum delay) and precision (bit). It selectively routes optical signals through N fibre loops whose lengths increase successively by a power of 2. Since each switching element allows the signal to either pass or bypass a fibre loop, a delay T may be inserted, which can take any value (in increments of ∆T) up to the maximum value T. This is achieved using a patent pending MEMS configuration and activated via an electrical control signal. Latching operation preserves the selected optical path after the drive signal has been removed. The device is designed to meet the most demanding switching requirements of ultra-high reliability, vibration insensitivity, and low power consumption. It is a completed module with built-in driver.