Computer based characterization of a spatial-spectral (s2) material signal processor

Abstract

The Spectrum Lab has developed a computer based model for a new generation processor where one of its applications promises improvement in current and future generation Radars. This processor is named the S2CHIP (Spatial Spectral Coherent Holographic Integrating Processor). The purpose of this work is to characterize the S2CHIP under different conditions in terms of signal strength, noise level and dynamic range. The characterization has been done using a new simulator developed at the Spectrum Lab based on the Maxwell-Bloch equations. This tool enabled us to simulate various effects based not only on the material properties but also effects based on the laser source and other components that make up the overall system. Laser beam geometry, material thickness, integration processing, and material and laser coherence time are addressed in this thesis. These simulations give a good measure on the performance of the S2CHIP.