Multichannel wavelength-switched transmitters and receivers-new concepts for broadband networks and distributed switching systems

Three component concepts for use in high-density wavelength-division-multiplexed optical systems are described. The applications envisaged for these components include broadband overlay for subscriber access networks and ultrahigh-capacity packet switching for telecommunications or parallel processing computer applications. The components each use a dispersive optical grating and integrated array of optoelectronic transducers to form a component with precisely defined multiple operating wavelength channels. Multichannel laser transmitter and direct detection receiver components suitable for up to about 50 independent channels separated by 1-2 nm in the 1300- to 1600-nm-wavelength range are described.>