A photonic processor having a high spectral resolution which separates an input optic signal into numerous channels and a method of constructing same are provided. The photonic processor includes an optical delay line spiral having dips to compensate for path length differences between the various paths such that each path is an integer multiple of a fixed path length. Straight segments are included in the spiral design to offset the dips in the spiral such that they do not overlap. A number of waveguide taps are included that may launch the channelized light signals into a photonic lens.