Ultrasmall 100 GHz 40-Channel VMUX/DEMUX Based on Single-Chip 2.5%-Δ PLC

The extension of optical add/drop multiplexing (OADM) systems to metro-core and metro-access networks has led to the need for economical and compact OADM devices. In this paper, we demonstrate a 1-in.2100 GHz spacing 40-channel (ch) single-chip variable attenuator multiplexer/demultiplexer based on a monolithic 2.5%-Delta silica planar lightwave circuit (PLC) and stacked photodiode arrays. We also investigate the particular issues raised by monolithic integration with such high Delta waveguides. One is the loss increase caused by high index contrast of the waveguides. Performance fluctuation and thermal interference between the integrated circuits are also inherent issues. By utilizing effective solutions, we have successfully overcome such problems and confirmed that a 2.5%-Delta silica PLC is effective for use in monolithic integration.