Principles and Applications of Photonic Integrated Multiplexers

Wavelength multiplexers have become key component in todays and tomorrows optical networks based on Wavelength Division Multiplexing. So far, most systems are composed of discrete components. Using these components it will be difficult to realise the large cost reductions that will be required to meet the ever increasing demand for capacity at constant or even decreasing cost. Just like in micro-electronics, Photonic Integration will be the key technology to sustain such a steady cost reduction based on a steady improvement of the integration technology. In the presentation a variety of Photonic Integrated Circuits based on AWG (or PHASAR) demultiplexers will be reviewed and the basic principles of the device will be explained.