Abstract

Present wavelength-multiplexed systems are potentially advantageous only for long-distance or highly multiplexed links, since the savings in running parallel fibers must be enough to offset the cost of the multiplexer and demultiplexer. Developing multiple-wavelength devices not only would eliminate the cost of the multiplexer and demultiplexer but also would reduce the number of fiber-to-device couplings. A multiple-wavelength device would have only one optical port, and separate contact pads would control each wavelength. Such devices could dramatically lower the cost of wavelength-multiplexed systems and make them advantageous even for short links. We describe a novel structure that can act as a multiple-wavelength detector or transmitter. To date, we have demonstrated both a narrowband receiver and a multiple-wavelength optically pumped source.

© 1994 Optical Society of America