Compact optical rf spectrum analyzer

Abstract

An improved compact optical and rugged laser-driven RF spectrum analyzer ng made up of slab-like waveguide means. The waveguide means has at one end enhanced surface diffraction grating means for intercepting and selectively diffracting a laser source beam so that the diffracted laser beam is deflected, expanded and focussed to converge toward the other end and in relation to both a surface acoustic wave (SAW) and detector array means. The waveguide means includes novel combined signal detection and arcuate-shaped transducer (CSD/AT) means between its ends for forming and directing the SAW in response to a detected RF (microwave) signal to be analyzed such that the SAW optically intercepts, interacts and further diffracts in Bragg-Cell-like fashion that converging beam so as to deflect same relative to detector array means at the other end of the waveguide means. The detector array means normally analyzes a series of differently deflected beams so as to provide frequency distribution and intensity of one or more detected signals. A second surface diffraction grating means can be provided on the waveguide means and interposed between the first surface diffraction grating means and the CSD/AT means so as to compensate for aberrations in the converging beam that might otherwise interfere with the detector array means analysis of an optically diffracted source beams.