Some aspects of the use of photonics in large sensor manifolds

We see photonics as a cornerstone of the architecture of future large distributed sensor manifolds. The technology continues to improve in key requirements of reliability, cost and performance. The examples we show, without detailed explanation, of the unique behavior of some of the basic components are intended to convey the sense that as sensor systems come to require increased dynamic range above 125 dB-Hz^2/3 , the successful design and implementation of the photonic elements demands a profound knowledge of the details of their operation