Design of a device with wavelength multiplexing and routing functions using dynamic holography on SLMs

Abstract

This work describes the theory and design of a generic multipurpose device that can operate as a tunable wavelength filter, wavelength multiplexer and wavelength router. This device could be especially useful in optical network applications based in both coarse and dense wavelength division multiplexing technology. The enabling component is a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator (SLM) where dynamic holograms are implemented in real time. As a consequence, the device will be able to carry out different functions according to the hologram recorded onto the SLM. The great advantage of this device is a polarization insensitivity operation, allowing low crosstalk and simple handling.