Multiwavelength Bragg gratings and their application to optical MUX/DEMUX devices

A concept of synergetic multiwavelength Bragg gratings as a platform for planar integrated optical devices is proposed and used to make a planar multiplexer/demultiplexer for wavelength-division multiplexing. In first experiments, the devices with 4-16 channels were made on SiON planars with single-layer lithography. Almost flat-top transfer function and 28-dB isolation were achieved for a four-channel device. The gratings with custom designed bandgaps could be also used to connect multiple optical devices in lightwave integrated circuits.