Frequency-Variant Signal Waveform Processing Using 2-D Optical Processors

A general optical system for processing temporal signal waveforms is described. In this system, a frequency-variant spectrum analyzer system is used in conjunction with an interferometric optical hetero-dyne processor. The capability of the frequency-variant analyzer to control the position and resolution of signal components allows for the general mixing of a signal and a local oscillator. This mixing results in a frequency dependent redistribution of the signal components useful for bandwidth compression and expansion or for more general spread-spectrum signaling.