Alain Marcel Jean Beguin

Optical performance of wavelength division multiplexers made by ion-exchange in glass

Single-mode fibers and components are increasingly being used in short distance applications. Fiber—to-the-home programs are being implemented and require high performance, low-cost single—mode components such as splitters and wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs). The work presented here is based on planar ion exchange technology. It is well adapted to producing compact devices integrating several functions. For example, single-mode achromatic lxN splitters comprised of multiple integrated Y-junctions are already available with low, wavelength-independent insertion loss (1,2). The ability of future networks to support multiple wavelengths requires the use of WDMs. Research work already has been reported on K and Cs based ion exchange WDMs (3,4). Results on low loss Tl ion exchange WDMs are presented in this paper.

Passive Integrated Optical Components For Multimode Networks

The technology for making glass integrated optical devices is reviewed. Modelling tools used for process and device performance optimization have been developed and are described. Also it is emphasized that mode power distribution measurements are a useful means of understanding the loss mechanisms.© (1989) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.