Abstract

Multiwavelength and coherent multichannel networks will increase in importance as the need develops to transport higher information capacities or to carry different services, possibly with different signal bit rates and protocols, on a single optical fiber. In addition, different wavelengths can also be used to route information. The applications of multi-wavelength channel networks are in the areas of local area networks, fiber in the local loop, trunk systems and computer interconnects, either within the computer or for connections to terminals. In order to install these networks a number of passive components are required including demultiplexers, multiplexers and optical filters. In addition, passive splitting elements such as tree and star components are necessary. This paper will describe some of the single mode components which have been developed for the multi-wavelength systems.

© 1991 Optical Society of America