Polarization-independent optical wavelength filter for channel dropping applications

Patent · Tue May 07 04:00:00 EDT 1996

OSTI ID:228058

Deri, R J; Patterson, F

The polarization dependence of optical wavelength filters is eliminated by using waveguide directional couplers. Material birefringence is used to compensate for the waveguide (electromagnetic) birefringence which is the original cause of the polarization dependence. Material birefringence is introduced in a controllable fashion by replacing bulk waveguide layers by finely layered composites, such as multiple quantum wells using III-V semiconductor materials. The filter has use in wavelength-division multiplexed fiber optic communication systems. This filter has broad application for wavelength-tunable receivers in fiber optic communication links, which may be used for telecommunications, optical computer interconnect links, or fiber optic sensor systems. Since multiple-wavelength systems are increasingly being used for all of these applications, the filter is useable whenever a rapidly tunable, wavelength-filtering receiver is required. 14 figs.

• Research Organization: University of California
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,515,461/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-262,716
• OSTI ID: 228058
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
DESIGN
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
OPTICAL COMPUTERS
OPTICAL FIBERS
OPTICAL FILTERS
USES