Optical fiber networks for source distribution in parallel THz sensors

A centralized architecture based on a fiber network for the distribution of femtosecond pulses used to feed a set of parallel THz inspection units is discussed. The use of optical fiber distribution links in a tree topology eases deployment in practical scenarios and reduces the system cost through the sharing of the fs-laser source. The effect of limiting factors introduced by the active fiber distribution scheme such as chromatic dispersion, nonlinear effects, time delay jitter, polarization and ASE noise are discussed. Experimental results showing the feasibility of the approach are provided.