Ultra-high-density optical multi/demultiplexer using tandem configuration of primary and secondary AWGs

Abstract

Summary form only given. The most effective way to expand network capacity is to increase the number of WDM channels, and a persistent demand has emerged for a large-scale multiplexer/demultiplexer with a narrow channel spacing that can support the maximum number of channels. We have found a way to extend the channel number beyond 1,000 by using a tandem configuration. This consists of a one l /spl times/ N primary filter and a number of secondary 1 /spl times/ N 10 GHz-spaced arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs). The primary filter has flat-top passbands whose channel spacing is 1 THz. We connect one secondary AWG to each output port through an optical fiber.