Ultrafast optical delay line by use of a time-prism pair

We demonstrate an all-fiber, programmable, ultrafast optical delay line based on reversible frequency conversion by use of a time-prism pair. Using electro-optic phase modulators to provide the time-prism phase profile, we show a record scanning rate of 0.5 GHz and a delay range of 19.0 ps. Computer modeling suggests that aberration correction in the time-prism system can extend the delay range to 28.0 ps. Finally, limitations and potential improvement of our techniques are discussed. (C) 2005 Optical Society of America.