Rapid Tuning of Optical Delay Lines via Optical Phase Amplification in a Silicon Photonic Four-Wave Mixing Interferometer

Optical delay lines are important for various applications in communication networks, optical buffering, and signal processing [1], [2]. Common methods to achieve optical delay face challenges such as limited optical bandwidth, delay range, and tuning capability. High-speed tuning is crucial for applications like phased array antennas and photonic arbitrary waveform generators. Current tuning methods, including thermal and electro-optic techniques, often have slow response times or rely on costly components, highlighting the need for integrated solutions that maintain performance while simplifying fabrication.