Patent ID: 6307895
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An apparatus for extracting complex Fourier coefficients from an RF signal of interest so as to characterize said RF signal, said RF signal having a leading edge and modulation, said extracting apparatus comprising:(a) receiving means for receiving said RF signal and generating first and second timing signals in response to said leading edge of said RF signal, said receiving means downconverting and demodulating said RF signal to a baseband so as to remove a carrier frequency but leaving a modulation voltage, said downconverted, demodulated RF signal serving as an output of said receiving means;(b) means for generating a signal of interest and a reference signal for a two acoustic column Bragg cell device, said signal of interest and reference signal generating means receiving said downconverted, demodulated RF signal and said first timing signal, said signal of interest and reference signal generating means including a local oscillator;(c) an optical processor comprising said Bragg cell, a laser, a Fourier lens, and an array of spatially positioned means each responsive to intercepted optical signals to correspondingly produce n electrical signals that represent a pattern of said intercepted optical signals, said Bragg cell having first and second acoustic columns respectively connected to said signal of interest and reference signal of said signal of interest and reference signal generating means; and(d) means for receiving said pattern of said intercepted optical signals and extracting therefrom said complex Fourier coefficients.