Title :
An N*N optical multiplexer using a planar arrangement of two star couplers
Author_Institution :
AT&T Bell Lab., Holmdel, NJ, USA
Abstract :
The author describes the design of an integrated N*N multiplexer capable of simultaneously multiplexing and demultiplexing a large number (up to about 50) of input and output wavelength channels. The multiplexer is a generalization of the 2*2 Mach-Zehnder multiplexer. It consists of two N*M star couplers connected by M paths of unequal length. Aberrations caused by mutual coupling in the waveguide arrays are minimized by a correction scheme that causes each star coupler to accurately perform a Fourier transformation. The multiplexer should be useful as a wavelength routing device for long haul and local area networks.<>
Keywords :
integrated optics; multiplexing equipment; optical communication equipment; optical couplers; optical waveguides; 2*2 Mach-Zehnder multiplexer; Fourier transformation; N*M star couplers; N*N optical multiplexer; SiO/sub 2/-Si technology; correction scheme; demultiplexing; local area networks; mutual coupling; planar arrangement; waveguide arrays; wavelength channels; wavelength routing device; Arrayed waveguide gratings; Couplers; Multiplexing; Mutual coupling; Optical fiber LAN; Optical waveguides; Refractive index; Switches; WDM networks; Wavelength routing;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
