Dynamic range of quadrature radio-frequency time-integrating acousto-optic correlator

A new time-integrating acousto-optic correlator (TIAOC) was developed. It combines relatively low complexity with an exceedingly wideband of signals analyzed. The main feature of the architecture is the use of the light beams interference to provide the quadrature processing channel. The dynamic range (DR) of the new TIAOC is calculated for the active and passive operating modes. Parameter optimization to achieve the maximum DR is performed. The photodetector charge handling capacity is shown to be the main DR limiter.