Abstract

Multichannel wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) technology is important for broadband optical system applications in the subscriber loops.^1,2 A significant advantage of WDM systems is that the optical signals transmitted over fiber are carried on separate wavelength channels that can be combined or separated in the central office or at the customer premises. In this way new services can be added and sent over the passive optical network without adding expensive electronic processing equipment in the field because the receiving and selection of multichannel signals can be integrated into the subscriber’s receiver subsystem. Unfortunately, tunable semiconductor wavelength receivers capable of handling this wavelength selection function are still in the research stage; therefore, the deployment of such receivers is not realistic at present. However, for optical channel selection, tunable receivers based on 'talon filters³ (mechanical or liquid crystal 'talons) can be deployed.

© 1991 Optical Society of America