Low-loss fiber-based wavelength-division multiplexer

Eric A. Swanson; Jeffrey C. Livas; Roy Sidney Bondurant

doi:10.1117/12.207407

20 April 1995 Low-loss fiber-based wavelength-division multiplexer

Eric A. Swanson, Jeffrey C. Livas, Roy Sidney Bondurant

Proceedings Volume 2381, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies VII; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207407
Event: Photonics West '95, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is currently being investigated for ground-based fiber optic networks as a means to achieve high aggregate data rates and/or to allow the use of lower power lasers at a given rate by adding additional channels. A drawback to using WDM techniques for space applications has been that most of the WDM devices used to combine wavelengths are lossy, particularly when implemented with integrated optics or fiber gratings. The additional loss is not important for ground-based applications because it can be overcome by adding gain (with an erbium-doped fiber amplifier, for example). For space applications, where size, weight, and power consumption are critical, the excess loss is a serious drawback. We describe here a very low-loss technique for wavelength combining using standard fiber components. The technique is scalable to moderate numbers of wavelengths while maintaining low loss. Low loss means that these multiplexers can be used for applications such as power combining that are not feasible with traditional techniques. Experimental results confirming low loss power combining will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Eric A. Swanson, Jeffrey C. Livas, and Roy Sidney Bondurant "Low-loss fiber-based wavelength-division multiplexer", Proc. SPIE 2381, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies VII, (20 April 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207407

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KEYWORDS

Wavelength division multiplexing

Beam splitters

Control systems

Optical amplifiers

Signal attenuation

Fiber couplers

Integrated optics

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