Substrate guided-wave-based optical interconnects for multiwavelength routing and distribution networks

Abstract

A two-dimensional (2-D) wavelength division demultiplexing (WDDM) device is demonstrated to separate and to distribute multiwavelength optical signals by employing substrate-guided wave optical interconnects. Working principle and power budget issues are analyzed. In this planarized architecture, stacked/multiplexed input holographic gratings and arrays of output holographic gratings are designed to be fabricated on the same waveguiding plate to steer multiwavelength optical signals into different routing directions, to zigzag within a waveguiding substrate, and then to be surface-normally coupled out of the substrate. A dual-wavelength routing and distribution network is demonstrated in experiment at 780 nm and 790 nm. The crosstalk is measured to be >-30 dB. The fan-out energy fluctuation is within /spl plusmn/10% for each wavelength. We also demonstrate a planar three wavelength optical network to separate and distribute three wavelengths at 760, 790, and 820 nm. It is feasible for this structure to be used as high capacity wavelength division demultiplexing and routing networks at center wavelengths of 800, 1330, and 1550 nm.