Nanosecond delay with subpicosecond uncertainty

Rev Sci Instrum. 2007 Aug;78(8):084701. doi: 10.1063/1.2760982.

Abstract

We have combined a commercially available, variable-length coaxial delay line (trombone line) with a high-resolution linear translation system. The result is better resolution and lower uncertainty in the achievable delays than previously available. The range of delay is 0 ps to approximately 1250 ps, the bidirectional resolution is 2.0 ps, the unidirectional resolution is 0.2 ps, and the uncertainty (95% confidence interval) in the measured delay is +/-0.09 ps. Drift, temperature dependence, repeatability, linearity, and hysteresis were also examined.

MeSH terms

  • Electric Wiring / instrumentation*
  • Electric Wiring / methods
  • Electromagnetic Phenomena / instrumentation*
  • Electromagnetic Phenomena / methods
  • Electronics / instrumentation*
  • Electronics / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Time Factors*