An Integrated Coupler-Multiplexer Permutation Switch

Lead Inventors: Richard Osgood Jr. Ph.D.; Tarek A. Ramadan, Ph.D.Problem or Unmet Need:Wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) is an attractive technique for increasing the aggregate capacity of optical networks by exploiting the huge bandwidth available in optical fibers. The evolution of WDM networks toward more complicated physical topologies has imposed a functionality burden on the optical network nodes (ONN). It is desired to preserve the signal in an optical form as it passes through the network (i.e. preserve network transparency) for increased speed. This means that the ONNs have to perform many functions in the optical physical-layer. Each of the multi-function transparent ONNs known hereto suffer from a common drawback in that they combine individual components to perform a specific routing and switching function. Therefore there remains a need for a photonic WDM component with high functionality density that can couple a single-mode and multi-mode waveguides and combine a plurality of functions. This technology provides the structure of a novel optical device that integrates multiplexing and switching functions on a single substrate and allows for a dynamic changing of the multiplexing pattern. The coupler-multiplexer permutation switch (CMPS) has a single-mode/multi-mode backward coupler followed by a digital optical switch (DOS). Different permutations are obtained by electronically controlling an effective-index distribution of DOS output waveguides.

Unequally spaced channels reduce the effect of multi-wave mixing on long-haul optical fiber communication Dynamically changing the multiplexing pattern adds reconfigurability at the optical layer level Integrating the add/drop multiplexer on a single substrate with a common grating eliminates the mismatch in device characteristics of the multiplexer and the demultiplexer

As WDM optical network components with high functionality density As an add/drop multiplexer

This technology provides the structure of a novel optical device that integrates multiplexing and switching functions on a single substrate and allows for a dynamic changing of the multiplexing pattern. The coupler-multiplexer permutation switc...

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