Real-time generation of the Wigner distribution function by means of a single acousto-optic modulator

Abstract A new real-time optical processor is proposed for generating the Wigner distribution function of time signals. The optical system in the processor is simple since it only employs a single acousto-optic modulator. Verification of the present method is accomplished by means of an integrated detection system consisting of a scanning mirror, a photomultiplier, and an interface circuit. Experimental results are presented for cosine and chirp signals, and show a good agreement with the theory.