Optical spectrum analysis of large space bandwidth signals.

Coherent optical spectrum analyzers are available for determining the frequency content of many analog signals written simultaneously on film. The space bandwidth product of each signal must not exceed one thousand for a typical 35 mm system. By sacrificing the multichannel capability of such a computer, single signals with space bandwidth products greater than one million (10(6)) can be analyzed. Two optical systems are described. The first analyzes long signals but maintains the frequency resolution of the multichannel system (one part in one thousand). The second system yields frequency resolution of at least one part in one million. Near real-time, continuous spectrum analysis of analog signals is within the current state of the art. A breadboard system is being built.