LETI Develops Optical Spectrum Analyzer for Wide-Frequency Radio Monitoring

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Researchers at St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University “LETI” are developing a device that can monitor radio signals across a broad frequency spectrum. The new spectrum analyzer is capable of detecting ultra-high frequencies used to control drones, which means the scanner can be employed to monitor aviation hubs and surrounding airspace. LETI shared these details with socialbites.ca.

The instrument proves valuable for field surveys. It is impossible to anticipate every frequency a monitored subject might use, but the spectrum analyzer is designed to capture nearly all signals, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks while on duty, according to LETI.

As communication and drone-control systems increasingly migrate to higher millimeter-wave bands, conventional digital-spectrum analyzers struggle to process microwave signals efficiently. By placing an optical processor at the core of the device, researchers believe they can overcome this limitation and provide faster, more reliable signal analysis.

“The optical-processor-based spectrum analyzer is exceptionally fast, yet two major challenges remain before it can reach the full range we envision,” explained Leonid Aronov, senior lecturer in the Department of Theoretical Foundations of Radio Engineering at LETI, in an interview with socialbites.ca.

The first challenge is signal distortion or loss during radio monitoring, which can obscure important data. A second hurdle lies in older processing algorithms that reveal signals only at certain frequencies, with gaps in between where information may disappear. Researchers are actively exploring solutions to both problems.

In a related note, earlier discussions in Russia touched on improving agricultural feed additives, reflecting a broader conversation about technology adoption and innovation across sectors.

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