Dynamic demonstration of diffractive optic analog-to-digital converter scheme

• Published in: Applied optics (2004) Vol. 42; no. 2; p. 264
• Main Authors: Galt, Sheila, Magnusson, Anders, Hård, Sverker
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 10.01.2003
• ISSN: 1559-128X
• DOI: 10.1364/AO.42.000264

Dynamic behavior of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) based on diffractive optical element(s) (DOE)(s) was studied and found to be in agreement with predictions. The analog signal was translated to an angular deflection of a laser beam by means of an acousto-optic (AO) cell. The number of bits in this experimental demonstration was three, using an eight-element DOE array. The maximum sample rate was found to be 2.5 MS/s, the limiting factor being the transit time for the acoustic wave across the width of the laser beam in the AO cell. The study is intended as a first dynamic demonstration of a proposed ADC scheme previously demonstrated in a quasi-static version. The full potential of the ADC scheme will require the use of a fast tunable diode laser to replace the AO deflection scheme used here.