Project Title:

Wideband, Multi-Channel, Acousto-Optic Spectrometer for Radio Astronomy

07.05-8181
NAS5-30847
Wideband, Multi-Channel, Acousto-Optic
	Spectrometer for Radio Astronomy
	Applications
Photonic Systems, Inc.
	1900 South Harbor City Boulevard
	Melbourne, FL 32901-2625
		Dennis R. Pape
(407-984-8181)

Abstract:

	A compact, rugged, 4-channel, acousto-optic spectrometer for processing radio astronomy
signals will be developed. It will employ a multi-channel Bragg cell. This cell utilizes
a special acoustic mode in gallium phosphide that allows multiple channels to be
fabricated on a single substrate while maintaining at least 40 dB isolation between
adjacent channels throughout the optical aperture. This new cell uses a self-collimating
acoustic mode as well as apodized electrodes to minimize channel-to-channel crosstalk.
The system will have a bandwidth of 1 GHz and a frequency resolution of 1 MHz. During
Phase I, the multi-channel Bragg cell will be designed with rigorous crosstalk and
thermal modeling to assure adequate performance in the spectrometer system. Optical
and electronic components will be specified and evaluated, and an optical and opto-mechanical
design completed with attention to long-term stability.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: Multi-element sensors are used in many industrial
applications particularly in manufacturing and testing.