Design trade-offs for arrayed waveguide grating DWDM MUX/DEMUX

摘要

Emerging optical networks to carry burgeoning Internet traffic require many more optical components, and different types of components, than the initial point-to-point systems. 80 channel systems are very complex and require hundreds of discrete optical devices, as opposed to initial 4 channel systems, which only needed 10-20 discrete optical components. One approach to reducing the cost per function of optical components is through integration of multiple functions in a single package. Fairly complex integrated optical circuits have already been developed in the form of Arrayed Waveguide Gratings (AWG) for Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing. In this paper we give an introduction to integrated optical circuits in the form of Planar Lightwave Circuits. Next we discuss the design and manufacturing of AWG. Then we detail the design trade-offs necessary to achieve desired system performance. Special emphasis is given to the causes of insertion loss and cross- talk, and the role of process control in manufacturing is highlighted.