New multiple-tap, general-response, reconfigurable photonic signal processor

A new photonic signal processor structure that can realize multiple-taps, with a general response capability, low-noise and widely tunable processor operation, is presented. It is based on a novel concept of employing positive and negative group delay slopes simultaneously by means of a dual-fed chirped fiber Bragg grating, and a new wavelength mapping scheme that enables wavelength re-use. The technique offers scalability, arbitrary responses with both positive and negative taps, tunability, and high frequency operation. Experimental results demonstrate widely tunable filters, with arbitrary bipolar tap generation, no PIIN noise, and with high FSR.