| I experimentally demonstrated a high bandwidth spatial-spectral holographic (SSH) scanner. Scanners or true time delay lines find their applications in phased-array antennas, radar range-Doppler processing and time-frequency ambiguity function analysis. A typical example of such a device is an acousto-optic deflector (AOD), which has limited bandwidth due to Bragg match conditions, frequency dependent acoustic attenuation of available materials and limitations of piezoelectric transducer technologies.;The system proposed in this thesis breaks through the bandwidth limitation of acousto-optic technology, yet resembles the function of an AOD since both operates as a scrolling scanner. It uses a material with large inhomogeneous bandwidth to record space-dependent time-delays as spatial-spectral holograms. The recording of the spatial-spectral holograms utilizes a Galvo scanning (GS) mirror and a chirped laser.;In Chapter 2, I experimentally show that a GS mirror can be sufficiently stable for the holographic recording process. After reviewing the relevant physics of the spatial-temporal holographic recording medium, the cryogenically-cooled rare earth doped crystals, in Chapter 3, I give further derivations that are useful in explaining the subsequent experimental results. Chapter 4 describes an efficient and stable numerical scheme for simulating the coherent light-atom interaction in a two-dimensional inhomogeneously-broadened crystal, allowing a search for the optimum experimental geometry for the recording experiment. Chapter 5 integrates the Galvo scanning mirror with the Tm3+:YAG crystal, and gives the experimental demonstration of the first high bandwidth (1.5GHz bandwidth with 20 resolvable spots) spatial-spectral holographic scanner. This system uses one laser for the proof-of concept experiment. Finally, in Chapter 6, I explore the prospect for the future development of the high bandwidth SSH scanner. This chapter also gives the design and demonstration of a two-laser stabilization circuit, with which we can extend our ability to realize the full version of the high bandwidth SSH scanner system. |
