Relative Group Delay Research Articles

Compact 40% Fractional Bandwidth Doherty PA With Input Group Delay Engineering

This letter presents a wideband Doherty power amplifier (DPA) design based on the control of the relative input group delay between the carrier and peaking amplifiers. By reaching an appropriate input phase variation over the target bandwidth, frequency dispersion of load modulation is minimized and a less dispersive DPA at peak power is achieved. To validate this approach, a compact DPA with 50-dBm peak power is developed and shows 51%–57% drain efficiency at 8-dB output power back-off (OBO) with a small-signal gain of 14.4–17 dB over 1.8–2.7 GHz which represents 40% fractional bandwidth (FBW). Linearization of the prototype is proven using DPD correction with ACPR below <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-$</tex-math> </inline-formula> 60 dBc measured in single-band scenarios. Moreover, under 400 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth, the proposed DPA achieves ACPR below <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-$</tex-math> </inline-formula> 53 dBc with an average efficiency of 48%.

Heterogeneous multicore fiber-based microwave frequency measurement.

A novel microwave frequency measurement scheme using a heterogeneous multicore fiber (MCF) is experimentally demonstrated. The inherently different relative group delays among the cores of a heterogeneous 7-core MCF are used to realize two individual 2-tap microwave filters with different free spectral ranges (FSRs). The ratio of the frequency response traces of these two filters is used to establish an amplitude comparison function (ACF). Furthermore, by varying the operational wavelength, the relative group delays between the cores and consequently the FSRs of the filters are tuned and different ACF curves are obtained. The complementary information provided by these different ACFs allows us to estimate the unknown frequency with an improved accuracy, over a broad measurement range. In our experiments, a measurement error of ±71 MHz is achieved over a frequency range of 0.5-40 GHz. The proposed scheme offers flexibility and compactness, thanks to the parallelism provided by the MCF.

Broadband continuously tunable microwave photonic delay line based on cascaded silicon microrings.

We present a novel broadband continuously tunable microwave photonic delay line consisting of a modulator, a four-stage microring resonator delay line, a tunable optical bandpass filter, and a photodetector. Unlike the traditional microring delay lines working at the on-resonant wavelength, the microring resonators in our chip work at the anti-resonant wavelengths, leading to a large delay bandwidth and a small delay ripple. The experimental results show that relative group delay can be continuously tuned from 0 to 160 ps for microwave frequencies in the range of 0 to 16 GHz. The delay ripple is less than 6.2 ps. These results represent an important step towards the realization of integrated continuously tunable delay lines demanded in broadband microwave phased array antennas.

Delay-Sum Group Delay Controller With Low-Loss and Low-Phase Variation

This article presents a group delay controller (GDC) circuit based on the delay-sum method. The proposed circuit can potentially be employed in a self-interference cancellation circuit in full-duplex radio systems. The proposed GDC splits the input signal into two signals with different magnitudes and then combines them in-phase at the output port. Variable group delay can be achieved by changing the power ratio of the two signals. The power dividing ratio (PDR) is changed by employing a variable power divider/combiner (VPD/VPC). The resonant reflective loads substitute for a single varactor diode such that the limited PDR of the VPD/VPC does not degrade the group delay variation range of the GDC. The resonant load can provide infinite PDR by covering open to short susceptance. In addition, asymmetrically connecting the VPD and VPC provides a flatter group delay response. As a result, the delay-sum method enables the proposed GDC to provide low and constant insertion loss while providing low insertion phase variation. The proposed delay sum GDC is demonstrated at 2.5 GHz. The measured insertion loss is only 2.18± 0.28 dB with a continuously controlled relative group delay of 430 ps. Furthermore, the insertion phase variation is only 7.3° at 2.5 GHz, and input/output matchings are maintained for all delay settings.

Invited paper: Characterization of few mode fibers and devices

Abstract This paper reviews characterization techniques for few mode fibers and components. The focus is on interferometric techniques including spatial and spectral resolved imaging (S2). Simple interferometric measurements are shown to be able to give quite comprehensive information including measurement of relative group delay. A new improved algorithm for analyzing S2 data for the case of only two modes is presented. The effect of polarization and rotation of asymmetric modes is treated as well.

Highly Efficient Impulse-Radio Ultra-Wideband Cavity-Backed Slot Antenna in Stacked Air-Filled Substrate Integrated Waveguide Technology

An impulse-radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) cavity-backed slot antenna covering the [5.9803; 6.9989] GHz frequency band of the IEEE 802.15.4a-2011 standard is designed and implemented in an air-filled substrate integrated waveguide (AFSIW) technology for localization applications with an accuracy of at least 3 cm. By relying on both frequency- and time-domain optimization, the antenna achieves excellent IR-UWB characteristics. In free-space conditions, an impedance bandwidth of 1.92 GHz (or 29.4%), a total efficiency higher than 89%, a front-to-back ratio of at least 12.1 dB, and a gain higher than 6.3 dBi are measured in the frequency domain. Furthermore, a system fidelity factor larger than 98% and a relative group delay smaller than 100 ps are measured in the time domain within the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna. As a result, the measured time-of-arrival of a transmitted Gaussian pulse, for different angles of arrival, exhibits variations smaller than 100 ps, corresponding to a maximum distance estimation error of 3 cm. Additionally, the antenna is validated in a real-life worst-case deployment scenario, showing that its characteristics remain stable in a large variety of deployment scenarios. Finally, the difference in frequency- and time-domain performance is studied between the antenna implemented in AFSIW and in dielectric filled substrate integrated waveguide (DFSIW) technology. We conclude that DFSIW technology is less suitable for the envisaged precision IR-UWB localization application.

Multibeam synthesis of high-power subcycle field waveforms

We identify physical scenarios whereby high-peak-power subcycle attosecond field waveforms can be synthesized by coherently combining a multibeam high-order harmonic output generated by a laser driver consisting of a pair of few-cycle pulses with different carrier frequencies. With the relative amplitudes, phases, and group delays of these driver pulses carefully adjusted in each of the driver beams toward confining the recollisions of highest-ponderomotive-energy electrons to an extremely short time gate within a fraction of the driver field cycle, the phase-matched multibeam high-harmonic output can be tailored to yield an intense isolated subgigawatt sub-10-attosecond field waveform. As a general tendency, propagation effects are shown to limit the minimum pulse width of the multibeam high-harmonic output. Still, with appropriate optimization of the gas pressure and the beam geometry, $\ensuremath{\approx}10$-as field waveforms can be synthesized at the expense of one to two orders of magnitude of the output radiation energy.

Identification of perceptually relevant methods of inter-aural time difference estimation.

The inter-aural time difference (ITD) is a fundamental cue for human sound localization. Over the past decades several methods have been proposed for its estimation from measured head-related impulse response (HRIR) data. Nevertheless, inter-method variations in ITD calculation have been found to exceed the known just noticeable differences (JNDs), leading to possible perceptible artifacts in virtual binaural auditory scenes, when personalized HRIRs are being used. In the absence of an objective means for validating ITD estimations, this paper examines which methods lead to the most perceptually relevant results. A subjective lateralization study compared objective ITDs to perceptually evaluated inter-aural pure delay offsets. Results clearly indicate the first-onset threshold detection method, using a low relative threshold of -30 dB, applied on 3 kHz low-pass filtered HRIRs as consistently the most perceptually relevant procedure across various metrics. Several alternative threshold values and methods based on the maximum or centroid of the inter-aural cross correlation of similarly filtered HRIR or HRIR envelopes also provided reasonable results. On the contrary, phase-based methods employing the integrated relative group delay or auditory model were not found to perform as well.

Identifying a perceptually relevant estimation method of the inter-aural time delay

The Inter-aural Time Difference (ITD) is a fundamental cue for human sound localization. Over the past decades, several methods have been proposed for its estimation from measured Head-Related Impulse Response (HRIR) data. Nevertheless, inter-method variations in ITD calculation have been found to exceed the known Just Noticeable Differences (JNDs), hence leading to possible perceptible artifacts in virtual binaural auditory scenes, even for cases when personalized HRIRs are being used. In the absence of an objective means for validating ITD estimations, this paper evaluates which methods lead to the most perceptually relevant results. A subjective lateralization study compared objective ITDs to perceptually driven inter-aural pure delay offsets. Results clearly indicate the first-onset Threshold detection method, using a low relative threshold of -30 dB, applied on 3 kHz low-pass filtered HRIRs as the most perceptually relevant procedure across various metrics. Alternative threshold values and methods based on the maximum or centroid of the Inter-Aural Cross Correlation of similarly filtered HRIRs or HRIR envelopes also provided reasonable results. On the contrary, phase-based methods employing the Integrated Relative Group Delay were not found to perform as well.

Chromatic Dispersion Monitoring by Synchronizing the Two Sidebands of the Received Optical Signal

In this paper, a new chromatic dispersion (CD) monitoring technique is proposed in optical fiber networks. It is based on detecting the relative group delay between the upper and lower sidebands of the monitored signal (induced by CD) by shifting the two sideband signals a number of times and at every time they are converted to the same frequency, and then they are coupled together with a phase difference of (180o) and the resulting signal power is measured. In one of the shift stages, it obtains minimum power when the time shift equals the relative group delay (i.e. the two sideband signals are synchronized). Therefore, the relative group delay can be detected through searching the minimum output power and the corresponding time shift. The proposed technique is characterized, compared with other monitoring techniques, by good monitoring range with the ability to determine chromatic dispersion sign, high measurement resolution, fixed sensitivity over the whole measurement range, no modification of the transmitter, not affected by polarization mode dispersion (PMD), good tolerance to the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise and the potential to monitor several channels in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks.

Splicing tolerances of weakly coupled few-mode fibers for mode-division-multiplexed transmission using sparse MIMO equalizers

For one-polarization mode-division-multiplexed (MDM) system using sparse 2 × 2 MIMO equalizers over twofold spatially degenerate (TSD) LP modes, we numerically investigate the discrete modal crosstalk (XT) behaviors due to splices in weakly coupled few-mode fibers. Its impacts on transmission distance of uncoupled MDM link are comparably analyzed by evaluating the extreme cases relevant to the required splicing tolerances. Under different splicing conditions, the complexity of 2 × 2 MIMO equalizers is assessed by intra-modal relative group delay (RGD) emulation. Simulation results show that, by specifically controlling the lateral offsets at splicing points, an intra-modal RGD reduction of TSD LP11 modes can be obtained, benefiting the tap number decrease of the corresponding 2 × 2 MIMO equalizer. Besides, the propagation of TSD LP21 modes is verified to possess intra-modal splice-XT-immune property, indicating that the relevant intra-modal RGD will not be affected by splices.

Quantitative mode quality characterization of fibers with extremely large mode areas by matched white-light interferometry.

Quantitative mode characterization of fibers with cores much beyond 50µm is difficult with existing techniques due to the combined effects of smaller intermodal group delays and dispersions. We demonstrate, for the first time, a new method using a matched white-light interferometry (MWI) to cancel fiber dispersion and achieve finer temporal resolution, demonstrating ~20fs temporal resolution in intermodal delays, i.e. 6µm path-length resolution. A 1m-long straight resonantly-enhanced leakage-channel fiber with 100µm core was characterized, showing ~55fs/m relative group delay and a ~29dB mode discrimination between the fundamental and second-order modes.

Measuring higher-order modes in a low-loss, hollow-core, photonic-bandgap fiber

We perform detailed measurements of the higher-order-mode content of a low-loss, hollow-core, photonic-bandgap fiber. Mode content is characterized using Spatially and Spectrally resolved (S2) imaging, revealing a variety of phenomena. Discrete mode scattering to core-guided modes are measured at small relative group-delays. At large group delays a continuum of surface modes and core-guided modes can be observed. The LP11 mode is observed to split into four different group delays with different orientations, with the relative orientations preserved as the mode propagates through the fiber. Cutback measurements allow for quantification of the loss of different individual modes. The behavior of the modes in the low loss region of the fiber is compared to that in a high loss region of the fiber. Finally, a new measurement technique is introduced, the sliding-window Fourier transform of high-resolution transmission spectra of hollow-core fibers, which displays the dependence of HOM content on both wavelength and group delay. This measurement is used to illustrate the HOM content as function of coil diameter.

Simplified approach to low‐cost multiparameter monitoring based on low frequency polarization modulation

AbstractWe experimentally revisit a technique of low‐cost multiparameter monitor for optical performance monitoring based on low frequency polarization modulation. A simplified calibration procedure, which significantly reduces the mathematical complexity and processing effort is proposed. Validation is achieved by carrying out relative optical power, wavelength, and differential group delay measurements. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1820–1824, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26956

Cross-correlated (C^2) imaging of fiber and waveguide modes

We demonstrate a method that enables reconstruction of waveguide or fiber modes without assuming any optical properties of the test waveguide. The optical low-coherence interferometric technique accounts for the impact of dispersion on the cross-correlation signal. This approach reveals modal content even at small intermodal delays, thus providing a universally applicable method for determining the modal weights, profiles, relative group-delays and dispersion of all guided or quasi-guided (leaky) modes. Our current implementation allows us to measure delays on a femtosecond time-scale, mode discrimination down to about - 30 dB, and dispersion values as high as 500 ps/nm/km. We expect this technique to be especially useful in testing fundamental mode operation of multi-mode structures, prevalent in high-power fiber lasers.

Spectral interferometry and reflectometry used for characterization of a multilayer mirror

A white-light spectral interferometric technique is used to retrieve a relative spectral phase and group delay of a multilayer mirror from the spectral interferograms recorded in a dispersive Michelson interferometer. The phase retrieval is based on the use of a windowed Fourier transform in the wavelength domain, and characterization of the multilayer mirror is completed by a three-step measurement of the reflectance spectrum of the mirror in the same interferometer.

Characterization of a photonic crystal fiber mode converter using low coherence interferometry

The relative group delay of the different modes present in an all-fiber LP11 mode converter at a central wavelength of 750 nm is observed using low coherence interferometric imaging. We have simultaneously measured the relative group delay and computed the intensity and the phase distribution of the modes emitted from the mode converter end face using a Fourier technique, providing unequivocal identification of the modes involved.

Intrinsic and attenuative dispersion characteristics of direct P-waves in and near the source area of the 1999 MW7.6 Chi-Chi, Taiwan, earth- quake before and after the mainshock

Based on the measurement of the arrival time of maxima magnitude from band-pass filtering signals which were determined using a new Morlet wavelet multiple-filter method, we develop a method for measuring intrinsic and attenuative dispersion of the first cycle direct P-wave. We determine relative group delays of spectral components of direct P-waves for 984 ray paths from SML and ALS stations of the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau Seismic Network (CWBSN). Using continuous relaxation model, we deduce a new transfer function that relates intrinsic dispersion to attenuation. Based on the genetic algorithm (GA), we put forward a new inversion procedure for determining which is defined the flat part of quality factor Q(ω) spectrum, τ1 and τ2 parameters. The results indicate that (1) The distribution of Qm values versus epicentral distance and depth show that Qm values linearly increase with increasing of epicentral distance and depth, and Qm values is clearly independent of earthquakes magnitude; (2) In the different depth ranges, Qm residual show no correlation with variations in epicentral distance. Some significant changes of Qm residual with time is likely caused by pre-seismic stress accumulation, and associated with fluid-filled higher density fractures rock volume in the source area of 1999 Chi-Chi Taiwan earthquake. We confirm that Qm residual with time anomaly appears about 2.5 years before the Chi-Chi earthquake; (3) A comparison of Qm residual for different depth range between SML and ALS stations show that the level of stress has vertical and lateral difference; (4) The area near observation station with both anomalously increasing and decreasing averaged Qm residual is likely an unstable environment for future strong earthquake occurrence. This study demonstrates the capability of direct P-waves dispersion for monitoring attenuation characteristics and its state changes of anelastic medium of the Earth at short propagation distance using seismograms recorded from very small events.

Analytical performance evaluation of an adjustable PMD compensator using high-birefringence linearly chirped FBG

System performance of a high-speed WDM transmission system in the presence of PMD can be improved significantly by using an adjustable PMD compensator. We have analytically evaluated the performance of a tunable PMD compensator based on high-birefringence linearly chirped fiber Bragg grating. The device can adjust differential group delay in a linearly continuous way without affecting the wavelength outside the bandwidth. Various properties of the device such as relative group delay, differential group delay, reflectivity, etc. are investigated in terms of wavelength and grating length. Results show that under stretched condition the device generates a time delay between fast and slow polarization axes, which is adjustable from 0 to 55 ps and is tunable within 2.4 nm wavelength range.

Spectrum-sliced Fourier-domain low-coherence interferometry for measuring the chromatic dispersion of an optical fiber

We present a novel spectrum-slicing method for measuring the chromatic dispersion of an optical fiber in Fourier-domain low-coherence interferometry. Broadband spectral interference data obtained from a low-coherence interferometer is sliced with Gaussian window functions. Each sliced spectral datum is used to calculate a relative group delay with Fourier transformation at the peak wavelength of a narrow window function. We have demonstrated that our proposed method is very powerful and simple for measuring chromatic dispersion and second-order dispersion in optical fibers and optical devices. Comparison of the proposed method with a conventional measurement method agrees within 0.5%.