We propose a novel high SNR ultra fast speed, narrow band, compact size photorefractive (PR) fiber tunable filter for application to phased array antenna - one of the key components of the Air Force C4I system. The proposed filter combines the state-of-the-art electro-optic modulation technique, tunable filter technique, integrated fiber-optic device, and our unique PR fiber growth and volume holographic grating construction technique. It can achieve a broad bandwidth from 2 GHz to 100 GHz, turning range larger than 20 nm, inserting lose less than 10%, SNR about 40 dB optically (80 Db electrically) and tuning speed in the order of 10 ns. In addition, the proposed filter will be light weight, compact, and easy to use. The proposed research and development is based on the successful demonstration in Phase I (Narrow-Band Tunable Filter Using Photorefractive Fiber Hologram). This project will substantially enhance the performance of current phased array antenna for both military and civilian applications. It will also have many other commercial applications; such as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) communication, fast speed and high accuracy spectroscopy, distributed diber sensor, spread spectrum communications, computer networks, etc.
Keywords: Tunable Filter Fiber Filter Fiber Hologram Photorefractive
