Electronic wavelength tuning using acoustooptic tunable filter with broad continuous tuning range and narrow channel spacing

The use of acoustooptic tunable filters as tunable-wavelength filters in a multiwavelength network is reported. Fast ( approximately=3 mu s access time), broad, continuous tuning (1.3-1.56 mu m) and narrow channel spacing (4.5 nm) in a nine-channel distribution system were demonstrated. The combination of broad tuning range and narrow channel spacing allows channel selection in a distribution system with hundreds of wide-band wavelength-division-multiplexed channels. The wavelength switching time, measured as approximately=3 mu s, is important in many high-speed switching applications.<>