Low-cost optical modules for fiber-to-the-home

Low-cost, high-performance, and compact optical modules are the key to the development of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) systems. Generally the optical module for these systems should provide wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) functions for 1.3-/spl mu/m and 1.5-/spl mu/m wavelengths. The optical module sometimes requires Y-branching for the 1.3-/spl mu/m wavelength for time-compression multiplexing (TCM) signals. Recently, optical hybrid integrated devices have been used to build high-performance and compact modules for such systems. To make low-cost optical modules though, it is necessary to overcome certain problems concerning module assembly and packaging. The solution to these problems will involve reducing the number of components, creating innovative device structures and assembly technology that can be adapted for volume-production, and utilizing low-cost materials and components.