An experimental demonstration of a photonic time delay unit (PTDU) based on ferroelectric liquid crystal devices and Thompson polarization beamsplitters (TBS's) is presented, High signal-to-noise ratios (SNR's) (> 96 dB) and optical polarization extinction ratios (ER, similar to 40 dB) are demonstrated for the PTDU using an active noise filter technique. Using a 5 V peak square wave switch drive signal, a 70 mu s switching speed is demonstrated for this PTDU that can be used in fast (e.g., 5000 beam/s) beam scanning phased array systems, A shorter switching speed of 35 mu s is also observed using a high 15 V peak transitional voltage driving signal.An experimental demonstration of a photonic time delay unit (PTDU) based on ferroelectric liquid crystal devices and Thompson polarization beamsplitters (TBS's) is presented, High signal-to-noise ratios (SNR's) (> 96 dB) and optical polarization extinction ratios (ER, similar to 40 dB) are demonstrated for the PTDU using an active noise filter technique. Using a 5 V peak square wave switch drive signal, a 70 mu s switching speed is demonstrated for this PTDU that can be used in fast (e.g., 5000 beam/s) beam scanning phased array systems, A shorter switching speed of 35 mu s is also observed using a high 15 V peak transitional voltage driving signal.