公开(公告)号：US07519246B2

公开(公告)日：2009-04-14

申请号：US11869420

申请日：2007-10-09

Applicant: David F. Welch ,  Vincent G. Dominic ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Mark J. Missey ,  Radhakrishnan L. Nagarajan ,  Atul Mathur ,  Frank H. Peters ,  Robert B. Taylor ,  Matthew L. Mitchell ,  Alan C. Nilsson ,  Stephen G. Grubb ,  Richard P. Schneider ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  Jonas Webjorn ,  Ting-Kuang Chiang ,  Robert Grencavich ,  Vinh D. Nguyen ,  Donald J. Pavinski, Jr. ,  Marco E. Sosa

Inventor： David F. Welch ,  Vincent G. Dominic ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Mark J. Missey ,  Radhakrishnan L. Nagarajan ,  Atul Mathur ,  Frank H. Peters ,  Robert B. Taylor ,  Matthew L. Mitchell ,  Alan C. Nilsson ,  Stephen G. Grubb ,  Richard P. Schneider ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  Jonas Webjorn ,  Ting-Kuang Chiang ,  Robert Grencavich ,  Vinh D. Nguyen ,  Donald J. Pavinski, Jr. ,  Marco E. Sosa

IPC: G02B6/12

CPC classification number: G02B6/12004 ,  G02B6/12007 ,  G02B6/12019 ,  G02B6/12023 ,  G02B6/12033 ,  G02B6/131 ,  G02B6/136 ,  H01S5/026 ,  H01S5/0262 ,  H01S5/0265 ,  H01S5/0268 ,  H01S5/0612 ,  H01S5/12 ,  H01S5/4025 ,  H01S5/4031 ,  H01S5/4087 ,  H01S5/50 ,  H04J14/02

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) chip comprising an array of modulated sources, each providing a modulated signal output at a channel wavelength different from the channel wavelength of other modulated sources and a wavelength selective combiner having an input optically coupled to received all the signal outputs from the modulated sources and provide a combined output signal on an output waveguide from the chip. The modulated sources, combiner and output waveguide are all integrated on the same chip.

Abstract translation: 一种包括调制源阵列的光子集成电路（PIC）芯片，每个调制源提供在不同于其它调制源的信道波长的信道波长处的调制信号输出，以及具有光耦合到接收到的所有信号输出的输入的波长选择性组合器 并从芯片提供输出波导上的组合输出信号。 调制源，组合器和输出波导均集成在同一芯片上。

公开(公告)号：US07437029B2

公开(公告)日：2008-10-14

申请号：US11279004

申请日：2006-04-07

Applicant: Charles H. Joyner ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Frank H. Peters ,  Atul Mathur ,  David F. Welch ,  Andrew G. Dentai ,  Damien Lambert ,  Richard P. Schneider ,  Mark J. Missey

Inventor： Charles H. Joyner ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Frank H. Peters ,  Atul Mathur ,  David F. Welch ,  Andrew G. Dentai ,  Damien Lambert ,  Richard P. Schneider ,  Mark J. Missey

IPC: G02B6/12

CPC classification number: H01S5/06258 ,  G02B6/12019 ,  G02B6/12033 ,  H01S5/026 ,  H01S5/0265 ,  H01S5/106 ,  H01S5/12 ,  H01S5/204 ,  H01S5/205 ,  H01S5/22 ,  H01S5/4031

Abstract: A monolithic photonic integrated circuit (PIC) chip where the active waveguide cores of the modulated sources of the PIC are multiple quantum wells (MQWs) and the passive waveguide cores of an optical combiner are a bulk layer or material. The cores of the waveguide cores may be a quaternary such as InGaAsP or InAlGaAs.

Abstract translation: 单片光子集成电路（PIC）芯片，其中PIC的调制源的有源波导核心是多个量子阱（MQW），并且光学组合器的无源波导核心是体层或材料。 波导芯的芯可以是诸如InGaAsP或InAlGaAs的四元体。

公开(公告)号：US07236656B2

公开(公告)日：2007-06-26

申请号：US11273844

申请日：2005-11-15

Applicant: David F. Welch ,  Radhakrishnan L. Nagarajan ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Mark J. Missey ,  Vincent G. Dominic ,  Atul Mathur ,  Frank H. Peters ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  Richard P. Schneider ,  Ting-Kuang Chiang

Inventor： David F. Welch ,  Radhakrishnan L. Nagarajan ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Mark J. Missey ,  Vincent G. Dominic ,  Atul Mathur ,  Frank H. Peters ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  Richard P. Schneider ,  Ting-Kuang Chiang

IPC: G02B6/12 ,  G02B6/28 ,  G02B6/34 ,  H04B10/12

CPC classification number: H04B10/2914 ,  B82Y20/00 ,  G02B6/12004 ,  G02B6/12007 ,  G02B6/12011 ,  G02B6/12019 ,  G02B6/12023 ,  G02B6/12026 ,  G02B6/12028 ,  G02B6/1203 ,  G02B6/12033 ,  G02B6/4249 ,  G02F1/01725 ,  G02F2001/0175 ,  G02F2001/01758 ,  H01S5/026 ,  H01S5/0264 ,  H01S5/0265 ,  H01S5/0268 ,  H01S5/0425 ,  H01S5/06256 ,  H01S5/06258 ,  H01S5/0683 ,  H01S5/101 ,  H01S5/1014 ,  H01S5/12 ,  H01S5/1228 ,  H01S5/183 ,  H01S5/2077 ,  H01S5/22 ,  H01S5/2224 ,  H01S5/227 ,  H01S5/3404 ,  H01S5/3408 ,  H01S5/34306 ,  H01S5/4025 ,  H01S5/4031 ,  H01S5/4087 ,  H01S5/50 ,  H01S5/5072 ,  H04B10/25 ,  H04B10/50 ,  H04B10/675 ,  H04J14/02

Abstract: An optical transport network comprises a monolithic transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC) InP-based chip and a monolithic receiver photonic integrated circuit (RxPIC) InP-based chip.

Abstract translation: 光传输网络包括单片发射器光子集成电路（TxPIC）基于InP的芯片和单片接收器光子集成电路（RxPIC）InP基芯片。

公开(公告)号：US07136546B2

公开(公告)日：2006-11-14

申请号：US11277737

申请日：2006-03-28

Applicant: Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  David F. Welch ,  Robert B. Taylor ,  Alan C. Nilsson

Inventor： Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  David F. Welch ,  Robert B. Taylor ,  Alan C. Nilsson

IPC: G02B6/12

CPC classification number: G02B6/12033 ,  B82Y20/00 ,  G02B6/02204 ,  G02B6/12004 ,  G02B6/12007 ,  G02B6/12019 ,  G02B6/12023 ,  G02B6/12026 ,  G02B6/12028 ,  G02B6/124 ,  G02F1/01725 ,  G02F2001/0175 ,  G02F2001/01758 ,  H01S5/0085 ,  H01S5/024 ,  H01S5/02415 ,  H01S5/02453 ,  H01S5/02461 ,  H01S5/02476 ,  H01S5/026 ,  H01S5/0261 ,  H01S5/0264 ,  H01S5/0265 ,  H01S5/0268 ,  H01S5/0425 ,  H01S5/0612 ,  H01S5/06256 ,  H01S5/06258 ,  H01S5/0683 ,  H01S5/0687 ,  H01S5/12 ,  H01S5/1228 ,  H01S5/2077 ,  H01S5/22 ,  H01S5/2214 ,  H01S5/2224 ,  H01S5/227 ,  H01S5/2272 ,  H01S5/2275 ,  H01S5/3408 ,  H01S5/34306 ,  H01S5/4025 ,  H01S5/4031 ,  H01S5/4087 ,  H01S5/50 ,  H04B10/2914 ,  H04B10/50 ,  H04B10/506 ,  H04B10/572 ,  H04J14/02

Abstract: A method and apparatus operates an array of laser sources as an integrated array on a single substrate or as integrated in an optical transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC) maintaining the emission wavelengths of such integrated laser sources at their targeted emission wavelengths or at least to more approximate their desired respective emission wavelengths. Wavelength changing elements may accompany the laser sources to bring about the change in their operational or emission wavelength to be corrected to or toward the desired or target emission wavelength. The wavelength changing elements may be comprise of temperature changing elements, current and voltage changing elements or bandgap changing elements. Identification tags in the form of low frequency tones may be applied relative to respective laser source outputs with a different frequency assigned to each laser source so that each laser can be specifically identified in a feedback control for providing correction signals to the wavelength changing elements to correct for the emission wavelength of respective laser sources.

公开(公告)号：US07123786B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-17

申请号：US11124483

申请日：2005-05-05

Applicant: David F. Welch ,  Radhakrishnan L. Nagarajan ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Mark J. Missey ,  Vincent G. Dominic ,  Atul Mathur ,  Frank H. Peters ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  Richard P. Schneider ,  Ting-Kuang Chiang

Inventor： David F. Welch ,  Radhakrishnan L. Nagarajan ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Mark J. Missey ,  Vincent G. Dominic ,  Atul Mathur ,  Frank H. Peters ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  Richard P. Schneider ,  Ting-Kuang Chiang

IPC: G02B6/12 ,  G02B6/34 ,  G02B6/28

CPC classification number: H04B10/2914 ,  B82Y20/00 ,  G02B6/12004 ,  G02B6/12007 ,  G02B6/12011 ,  G02B6/12019 ,  G02B6/12023 ,  G02B6/12026 ,  G02B6/12028 ,  G02B6/1203 ,  G02B6/12033 ,  G02B6/4249 ,  G02F1/01725 ,  G02F2001/0175 ,  G02F2001/01758 ,  H01S5/026 ,  H01S5/0264 ,  H01S5/0265 ,  H01S5/0268 ,  H01S5/0425 ,  H01S5/06256 ,  H01S5/06258 ,  H01S5/0683 ,  H01S5/101 ,  H01S5/1014 ,  H01S5/12 ,  H01S5/1228 ,  H01S5/183 ,  H01S5/2077 ,  H01S5/22 ,  H01S5/2224 ,  H01S5/227 ,  H01S5/3404 ,  H01S5/3408 ,  H01S5/34306 ,  H01S5/4025 ,  H01S5/4031 ,  H01S5/4087 ,  H01S5/50 ,  H01S5/5072 ,  H04B10/25 ,  H04B10/50 ,  H04B10/675 ,  H04J14/02

Abstract: An optical-to-electrical-to-optical converter comprises a monolithic receiver photonic integrated circuit (RxPIC) InP-based chip comprising an optical waveguide formed in the chip from a chip input to receive a first multiplexed channel signal from an optical link and provide them to an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) which demultiplexes the multiplexed channel signals and provides a plurality of electrical channel signals to an electronic regenerator. The regenerator regenerates the electrical channel signals to an original signal waveform and provides the reformed electrical signals to a monolithic transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC) InP-based chip having an array of modulated sources formed in the chip that are coupled as inputs to an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG). The TxPIC modulates the reformed electrical signals to form a plurality of optical channel sign which are combined to form a second first multiplexed channel signal for transmission on an optical link.

Abstract translation: 光 - 电 - 光转换器包括单芯片接收机光子集成电路（RxPIC）基于InP的芯片，其包括从芯片输入端形成在芯片中的光波导，以接收来自光链路的第一复用信道信号，并提供 它们到阵列波导光栅（AWG），其将多路复用的信道信号解复用并向电子再生器提供多个电通道信号。 再生器将电通道信号再生成原始信号波形，并将重整的电信号提供给单片发射器光子集成电路（TxPIC）InP基芯片，该芯片具有在芯片中形成的调制源阵列，其作为输入耦合到阵列 波导光栅（AWG）。 TxPIC调制经重整的电信号以形成多个光信道符号，其被组合以形成用于在光链路上传输的第二第一复用信道信号。

公开(公告)号：US07092589B2

公开(公告)日：2006-08-15

申请号：US10916844

申请日：2004-08-12

Applicant: Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  David F. Welch ,  Robert B. Taylor ,  Alan C. Nilsson

Inventor： Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  David F. Welch ,  Robert B. Taylor ,  Alan C. Nilsson

IPC: G02B6/12

CPC classification number: G02B6/12033 ,  B82Y20/00 ,  G02B6/02204 ,  G02B6/12004 ,  G02B6/12007 ,  G02B6/12019 ,  G02B6/12023 ,  G02B6/12026 ,  G02B6/12028 ,  G02B6/124 ,  G02F1/01725 ,  G02F2001/0175 ,  G02F2001/01758 ,  H01S5/0085 ,  H01S5/024 ,  H01S5/02415 ,  H01S5/02453 ,  H01S5/02461 ,  H01S5/02476 ,  H01S5/026 ,  H01S5/0261 ,  H01S5/0264 ,  H01S5/0265 ,  H01S5/0268 ,  H01S5/0425 ,  H01S5/0612 ,  H01S5/06256 ,  H01S5/06258 ,  H01S5/0683 ,  H01S5/0687 ,  H01S5/12 ,  H01S5/1228 ,  H01S5/2077 ,  H01S5/22 ,  H01S5/2214 ,  H01S5/2224 ,  H01S5/227 ,  H01S5/2272 ,  H01S5/2275 ,  H01S5/3408 ,  H01S5/34306 ,  H01S5/4025 ,  H01S5/4031 ,  H01S5/4087 ,  H01S5/50 ,  H04B10/2914 ,  H04B10/50 ,  H04B10/506 ,  H04B10/572 ,  H04J14/02

Abstract: A method of operating an array of integrated laser sources formed as an integrated array on a single substrate in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) where the laser sources are designed for operation at different targeted emission wavelengths which, in toto, at least approximate a grid of spatial emission wavelengths. A first wavelength tuning element is associated with each laser source and is adjusted over time so that each laser source maintains its targeted emission wavelength. As an alternative, the drive current to each laser source may be initially set so that each laser source operates at its targeted emission wavelength. Thereafter, adjustments to retune the laser sources to their targeted emission wavelengths are accomplished by the first wavelength tuning elements. The outputs of the laser sources may be combined via an optical combiner to produce a single combined output from the PIC. A second wavelength tuning element is associated with the optical combiner so that the passband response or wavelength grid of the optical combiner may be also monitored and adjusted to better approximate the wavelength grid of the laser sources.

Abstract translation: 一种在光子集成电路（PIC）中在单个衬底上形成为集成阵列的集成激光源的阵列的方法，其中激光源被设计用于在不同的目标发射波长下操作，其至少近似于电网 的空间发射波长。 第一波长调谐元件与每个激光源相关联并且随时间被调整，使得每个激光源保持其目标发射波长。 作为替代，可以初始设置到每个激光源的驱动电流，使得每个激光源以其目标发射波长工作。 此后，通过第一波长调谐元件实现将激光源重新调谐到其目标发射波长的调整。 激光源的输出可以通过光学组合器组合以产生来自PIC的单个组合输出。 第二波长调谐元件与光学合成器相关联，使得光学合成器的通带响应或波长网格也可以被监视和调整以更好地近似激光源的波长网格。

公开(公告)号：US07079721B2

公开(公告)日：2006-07-18

申请号：US10919161

申请日：2004-08-16

Applicant: Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  David F. Welch ,  Robert B. Taylor ,  Alan C. Nilsson

Inventor： Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Charles H. Joyner ,  David F. Welch ,  Robert B. Taylor ,  Alan C. Nilsson

IPC: G02B6/12

CPC classification number: G02B6/12033 ,  B82Y20/00 ,  G02B6/02204 ,  G02B6/12004 ,  G02B6/12007 ,  G02B6/12019 ,  G02B6/12023 ,  G02B6/12026 ,  G02B6/12028 ,  G02B6/124 ,  G02F1/01725 ,  G02F2001/0175 ,  G02F2001/01758 ,  H01S5/0085 ,  H01S5/024 ,  H01S5/02415 ,  H01S5/02453 ,  H01S5/02461 ,  H01S5/02476 ,  H01S5/026 ,  H01S5/0261 ,  H01S5/0264 ,  H01S5/0265 ,  H01S5/0268 ,  H01S5/0425 ,  H01S5/0612 ,  H01S5/06256 ,  H01S5/06258 ,  H01S5/0683 ,  H01S5/0687 ,  H01S5/12 ,  H01S5/1228 ,  H01S5/2077 ,  H01S5/22 ,  H01S5/2214 ,  H01S5/2224 ,  H01S5/227 ,  H01S5/2272 ,  H01S5/2275 ,  H01S5/3408 ,  H01S5/34306 ,  H01S5/4025 ,  H01S5/4031 ,  H01S5/4087 ,  H01S5/50 ,  H04B10/2914 ,  H04B10/50 ,  H04B10/506 ,  H04B10/572 ,  H04J14/02

Abstract: A method and apparatus operates an array of laser sources as an integrated array on a single substrate or as integrated in an optical transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC) maintaining the emission wavelengths of such integrated laser sources at their targeted emission wavelengths or at least to more approximate their desired respective emission wavelengths. Wavelength changing elements may accompany the laser sources to bring about the change in their operational or emission wavelength to be corrected to or toward the desired or target emission wavelength. The wavelength changing elements may be comprise of temperature changing elements, current and voltage changing elements or bandgap changing elements. Identification tags in the form of low frequency tones may be applied relative to respective laser source outputs with a different frequency assigned to each laser source so that each laser can be specifically identified in a feedback control for providing correction signals to the wavelength changing elements to correct for the emission wavelength of respective laser sources.

Abstract translation: 一种方法和装置将激光源阵列作为集成阵列操作在单个基板上或集成在光发射机光子集成电路（TxPIC）中，将这些集成激光源的发射波长保持在其目标发射波长或至少至多 近似其期望的各自的发射波长。 波长变化元件可能伴随着激光源，以使它们的操作或发射波长的变化被校正到目标或目标发射波长。 波长变化元件可以包括温度变化元件，电流和电压变化元件或带隙变化元件。 可以以具有分配给每个激光源的不同频率的相应激光源输出施加低频音调形式的识别标签，使得每个激光器可以在用于向波长改变元件提供校正信号的反馈控制中被具体识别，以校正 用于各激光源的发射波长。

公开(公告)号：US6015719A

公开(公告)日：2000-01-18

申请号：US66089

申请日：1998-04-24

Applicant: Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Stephen A. Stockman

Inventor： Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  Stephen A. Stockman

IPC: H01L33/00 ,  H01L33/10 ,  H01L33/20 ,  H01L33/22 ,  H01L21/00

CPC classification number: H01L33/10 ,  H01L21/24 ,  H01L33/0079 ,  H01L33/20 ,  H01L33/22

Abstract: Methods for the fabrication of TS LED chips with improved light extraction and optics, particularly increased top surface emission, and the TS LEDs so fabricated are described. Non-absorbing DBRs within the chip permit the fabrication of the LEDs. The transparent DBRs redirect light away from absorbing regions such as contacts within the chip, increasing the light extraction efficiency of the LED. The non-absorbing DBRs can also redirect light toward the top surface of the chip, improving the amount of top surface emission and the on-axis intensity of the packaged LED. These benefits are accomplished with optically non-absorbing layers, maintaining the advantages of a TS LED, which advantages include .about.6 light escape cones, and improved multiple pass light extraction.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于制造具有改进的光提取和光学，特别是增加的顶表面发射的TS LED芯片以及如此制造的TS LED的方法。 芯片内的非吸收DBR允许制造LED。 透明DBR将光远离诸如芯片内的接触点的吸收区域，从而提高LED的光提取效率。 非吸收DBR还可以将光重定向到芯片的顶表面，从而改善封装LED的顶表面发射量和轴上强度。 这些优点是通过光学非吸收层实现的，保持TS LED的优点，其优点包括差分6光出射锥和改进的多通光提取。

公开(公告)号：US5779924A

公开(公告)日：1998-07-14

申请号：US620518

申请日：1996-03-22

Applicant: Michael R. Krames ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr.

Inventor： Michael R. Krames ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr.

IPC: H01L33/20 ,  H01L33/22 ,  B44C1/22

CPC classification number: H01L33/20 ,  H01L33/22 ,  H01L33/38

Abstract: This method relates to the fabrication of semiconductor light-emitting devices having at least one ordered textured interface. Controlled interface texturing with an ordered pattern is provided on any or all interfaces of such a device to enhance light extraction from these interfaces and thus improve the performance of the device. Ordered interface texturing offers an improvement in light extraction by increasing the transmission of total optical power from the device into the ambient. This improvement is possible because ordered interface texturing can provide: 1) a reduction in Fresnel losses at the interface between the device and the ambient and, 2) a change or increase in the angular bandwidth of light which may transmit power into the ambient. This latter effect may be thought of a change or increase in the escape cone at an interface. Both effects can result in an overall increase in total light extraction efficiency for the LED.

Abstract translation: 该方法涉及具有至少一个有序纹理界面的半导体发光器件的制造。 在这种设备的任何或所有接口上提供具有有序模式的受控接口纹理，以增强从这些接口的光提取，从而提高设备的性能。 有序的界面纹理通过增加从设备到环境中的总光功率的传输来提供光提取的改进。 这种改进是可能的，因为有序的界面纹理可以提供：1）在设备和环境之间的接口处减少菲涅尔损耗，以及2）可以将功率传输到环境中的光的角度带宽的改变或增加。 后一种效应可以被认为在界面处的逃避锥的变化或增加。 这两种效应可以导致LED的总光提取效率的总体增加。

公开(公告)号：US09031412B2

公开(公告)日：2015-05-12

申请号：US12612646

申请日：2009-11-04

Applicant: Radhakrishnan L. Nagarajan ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  David F. Welch ,  Drew D. Perkins ,  Masaki Kato

Inventor： Radhakrishnan L. Nagarajan ,  Fred A. Kish, Jr. ,  David F. Welch ,  Drew D. Perkins ,  Masaki Kato

IPC: H04J14/02 ,  H04B10/50 ,  G02B6/12 ,  B82Y20/00 ,  H01S5/024 ,  H01S5/223 ,  H01S5/40 ,  G02B6/28 ,  G02B6/293 ,  H01S5/00 ,  H01S5/022 ,  H01S5/026 ,  H01S5/0683 ,  H01S5/10 ,  H01S5/12 ,  H01S5/343

CPC classification number: G02B6/12033 ,  B82Y20/00 ,  G02B6/12019 ,  G02B6/2813 ,  G02B6/293 ,  G02B6/29317 ,  G02B6/29338 ,  G02B6/29352 ,  H01S5/005 ,  H01S5/0085 ,  H01S5/02248 ,  H01S5/024 ,  H01S5/0261 ,  H01S5/0265 ,  H01S5/0268 ,  H01S5/0683 ,  H01S5/1032 ,  H01S5/12 ,  H01S5/1221 ,  H01S5/2231 ,  H01S5/34306 ,  H01S5/4031 ,  H01S5/4087 ,  H04B10/506

Abstract: A coolerless photonic integrated circuit (PIC), such as a semiconductor electro-absorption modulator/laser (EML) or a coolerless optical transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC), may be operated over a wide temperature range at temperatures higher then room temperature without the need for ambient cooling or hermetic packaging. Since there is large scale integration of N optical transmission signal WDM channels on a TxPIC chip, a new DWDM system approach with novel sensing schemes and adaptive algorithms provides intelligent control of the PIC to optimize its performance and to allow optical transmitter and receiver modules in DWDM systems to operate uncooled. Moreover, the wavelength grid of the on-chip channel laser sources may thermally float within a WDM wavelength band where the individual emission wavelengths of the laser sources are not fixed to wavelength peaks along a standardized wavelength grid but rather may move about with changes in ambient temperature. However, control is maintained such that the channel spectral spacing between channels across multiple signal channels, whether such spacing is periodic or aperiodic, between adjacent laser sources in the thermally floating wavelength grid are maintained in a fixed relationship. Means are then provided at an optical receiver to discover and lock onto floating wavelength grid of transmitted WDM signals and thereafter demultiplex the transmitted WDM signals for OE conversion.