Selective Correlation Detection of Photonically Generated Ultrawideband RF Signals

We demonstrate hardware auto/cross-correlation measurements of photonically generated ultrawideband (UWB) RF burst waveforms in the 3-10 GHz range. Full delay dependent correlation studies with matched waveform pairs reveal correlation peaks ~15 dB above those obtained with nonmatching sets of waveforms. The possibility of real-time correlation detection is also explored, as are correlation measurements of waveforms that are transmitted over a short line-of-sight wireless link. With waveforms modified to precompensate for antenna dispersion, 7 dB correlation contrast between matched and nonmatched waveform pairs is obtained. Our results suggest hardware correlation detection as a possibility for processing of arbitrary waveforms in an Ultra-wideband (UWB) receiver.