Optical integrated nodes, and optical communication systems and networks using the optical integrated nodes

摘要

An integrated optical node includes a main waveguide, a sub- waveguide, a fixed-wavelength type optical coupler and a tunable type optical coupler. On the sub-waveguide, an optical receiver may be formed to detect light guided from the main waveguide to the sub-waveguide by the optical coupler and/or a laser may be formed to emit light to be guided from the sub-waveguide to the main waveguide by the optical coupler. The elements of the optical node are arranged on a common semiconductor substrate so that the optical node can be reduced in size.