Performance Issues for Dense WDM Planar Waveguide Demultiplexers

摘要

A review is presented of state-of-the-art optical planar waveguide demultiplexers (DEMUXes); that is, phasars (arrayed waveguide -AWG) and etched grating devices designed for dense wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems. The advances made in their performance are reviewed and ultimate limitations, set by physical principles and technological constraints, are considered. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of etched grating and phasar planar waveguide DEMUXes are discussed.