Fast tunable parallel optical delay line

A new tunable optical delay line for OTDM applications can achieve sub-nano second tuning time across three time slots spaced 100ps apart. Using parall el fiber delays, the delay line requires only one modulator operating below the baseband data rate. A simple control algorithm based on a latency diag ram can further reduce the average latency beyond that of the straightforwa rd hardware implementation by 50%. Using the demonstrated delay line, 10 GH z electronics has the potential to access a throughput of 160Gb/s optical d ata. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.