What is Fiber Optic Delay Line OFDL
Fiber Optical Delay Line (OFDL) is a device that can achieve time delay of optical signals. By using delay, it can achieve phase shifting, all-optical storage and other functions. It has a wide range of applications in phased array radar, fiber optic communication systems, electronic countermeasures, scientific research and testing, and other fields. This article will start from the basic principles of fiber optic delay lines, focusing on application scenarios and how to choose the appropriate fiber optic delay line.
Working principle
The basic principle of fiber optic delay line is that the optical signal to be delayed is transmitted through a specific length of fiber optic cable, and due to the time required for light transmission in the fiber optic cable, the time delay of the optical signal is achieved. As shown in Figure 1, the simplest fiber optic delay line is a system composed of devices such as lasers, modulators, transmission fibers, and photodetectors with signal delay function. Working principle: The RF signal to be transmitted and the optical signal emitted by the laser are input into various modulators. The modulators modulate the RF signal onto light to form an optical signal carrying RF information. The optical signal carrying RF information is coupled to the fiber optic link for transmission, delayed for a period of time, and then reaches the photodetector. The photodetector converts the received optical signal carrying RF information into an electrical signal output.
Figure 1 Basic Architecture of Optic Fiber Delay Line OFDL
Application scenarios
1.Phased array radar: The core component of phased array radar is the phased array antenna. Traditional radar antennas are far from meeting the requirements of radar systems, while fiber optic delay lines have their unique performance advantages in the application of phased array antennas. Therefore, fiber optic delay lines have significant scientific significance in phased array radar.
2.Fiber optic communication system: Fiber optic delay lines can be used to implement specific encoding schemes. By introducing different delays at different time points, encoding signals with specific patterns can be generated, which is beneficial for improving the anti-interference ability of signals in digital communication systems. In addition, it can also be used as a temporary storage (cache) to temporarily store certain data, and so on. In short, fiber optic delay lines have a wide range of applications in many fields due to their high bandwidth, low loss, and resistance to electromagnetic interference. Whether in the fields of communication, radar, navigation, or medical imaging, they all play important roles.
Post time: May-20-2025