Wavelength division multiplexing technology and systems

Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) based broadband fiber optic networks offer an attractive approach to achieve extremely high throughputs while employing moderate speed electronics. Passive optical filters play a crucial role in such networks serving the function of combining and separating multiple wavelengths. Single and multiple cavity F-P filters are analyzed with particular emphasis on their bandwidth and tuning range. Fabry-Perot (F-P) filter tuning commonly employs piezoelectric techniques. A new tuning technique based on a F-P filter fabricated with a fiber having an electro-optic cladding is proposed. A novel F-P filter structure employing optical feedback is proposed and analyzed. The application of F-P filters in an incoherent multiwavelength star network and the associated concerns involving crosstalk and dispersion are evaluated. A comparative error performance analysis of one and two F-P filter receivers in a BFSK transmission system is performed. An overview of numerous multiwavelength network and switch proposals along with their associated merits and demerits is given.