Slowlight in semi-conductor amplifier Application to programmable time delays for the control of microwave signals

Optoelectronics links in future radar systems require the generation and control of time delays for large frequency bandwidth (typically 20 GHz) microwave signals to be transmitted or/and processed. Compact structures wherein slow waves propagate have a role to play in a such context applying the so group delay generated onto the microwave signals. We present an original architecture to slow down the light in semi-conductor amplifier (SOA), based on a dual frequency optical beam interfering inside the gain medium of the SOA as wave mixing due to population oscillation.