Time-integrating correlator based on fiber-optic delay lines

A time-integrating correlator based on techniques of fiber-optic delay-line signal processing is described. We show that the time-integrating architecture does not suffer from limitations associated with previously demonstrated space-integrating fiber-optic correlators. Experimental results from an eight-channel time-integrating correlator are presented, demonstrating real-time autocorrelation of a 5-MHz square wave. Limitations of the experimental correlator are discussed, and an alternative design is proposed, with a potential time-bandwidth product of the order of 10(8).