Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
05:57
Characterization of SiN Integrated Optical Phased Arrays on a Wafer-Scale Test Station
Published on: April 1, 2020
9.4K
Seven-bit reconfigurable optical true time delay line based on silicon integration.
Optics Express
|October 17, 2014
Summary
We developed a 7-bit silicon photonics optical true time delay line using Mach-Zehnder interferometer switches. This device offers a maximum 1.27 ns delay with 10 ps resolution, showing minimal power penalties for high-speed signals.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Integrated Optics
- Silicon Photonics
Background:
- Optical true time delay lines are crucial for advanced signal processing and phased array antennas.
- Existing solutions often face challenges with reconfigurability, resolution, and integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, fabricate, and characterize a novel 7-bit reconfigurable optical true time delay line.
- To demonstrate high-resolution delay control and minimize signal degradation using silicon photonics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) switches for reconfigurable delay stages.
- Integrated variable optical attenuators (VOAs) to mitigate crosstalk from finite switch extinction ratios.
- Fabricated the device on a silicon photonics platform.
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum delay of 1.27 nanoseconds (ns) with a fine resolution of 10 picoseconds (ps).
- Demonstrated minimal power penalties of 0.17 dB and 0.77 dB for the shortest and longest delay paths, respectively, at 25 Gbps.
- Verified performance over a wide wavelength range.
Conclusions:
- The fabricated 7-bit optical true time delay line meets stringent requirements for high-speed signal processing.
- The integration of MZIs and VOAs on silicon photonics offers a promising platform for compact and efficient delay line solutions.
- The low power penalties confirm the device's suitability for demanding optical communication and radar systems.
