Method and apparatus for dynamically equalizing gain in an optical network

摘要

An apparatus and method for substantially equalizing the gain of a plurality of component signals of a multi-wavelength optical beam, each component signal has an amplitude and a unique wavelength. The method includes determining the amplitude of each component signal, and in turn adjusting the amplitudes of each component signal in dependence on the determined amplitude of each component signal, such that the adjusted amplitudes are at least approximately equal. It is preferred that the amplitudes are adjusted by using a plurality of adjustable-gain filters, such as wavelenght-tunable fiber Bragg gratings. The filters adjust the amplitude of at least one component signal and pass substantially unadjusted the amplitude of at least one other component signal. A controller is provided for adjusting the gain of each filter to set the adjusted amplitudes to be at least approximately equal in magnitude.