摘要:
In a WDM optical communication system that includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by communication links, a node is provided which includes an optical coupling arrangement having at least one input port for receiving a WDM signal and a plurality of output ports for selectively receiving one or more wavelength components of the WDM optical signal. The optical coupling arrangement is adaptable to reconfigure its operational state to (i) selectively direct any one of the wavelength components received on the input port to any of the output ports independently of any other of the wavelength components and (ii) selectively direct any combination of two or more of the wavelength components from the input port to at least two of the output ports that serve as WDM output ports. At least one optical WDM interface is optically coupled to a first of the WDM output ports. The optical WDM interface is adapted to receive, at different times, a transponder and a transmission link through which a WDM signal can be communicated. At least one transponder is coupled to a second of the WDM output ports.
摘要:
A method and apparatus is provided for automatically controlling the gain of an optical amplifier. The method begins by generating a first control signal based on a feed-forward error signal and a second control signal based on the feedback error signal. Next, the pump source is adjusted in accordance with the control signals. In this way both the speed of a feed-forward arrangement and the accuracy of a feedback arrangement can be achieved.
摘要:
In a WDM optical communication system that includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by communication links, a node is provided that includes a reconfigurable optical switch having a plurality of input ports and at least one output port. The node also includes a plurality of transmitters that are each coupled to one of the input ports of the optical switch. Each of the transmitters generate an information-bearing optical signal at a different channel wavelength from one another. The reconfigurable optical switch is adaptable to receive at any of the input ports any of the channel wavelengths at which the plurality of transmitters operate and direct the channel wavelengths to the output port. At least one backup transmitter is coupled to one of the input ports of the optical switch. The backup transmitter includes a tunable laser tunable to any of the channel wavelengths at which the plurality of transmitters operate. The reconfigurable optical switch includes at least one wavelength selective element that selects at least one channel wavelength from among any of the channel wavelengths received at any of the input ports. The switch also includes a plurality of optical elements associated with the wavelength selective elements, Each of the optical elements direct one of the selected channel wavelengths selected by the associated wavelength selective element to the output port independently from every other channel wavelength. The selected channel wavelengths directed to the output port are combined on the output port.
摘要:
An optical attenuator and a method of making an optical attenuator is disclosed. The method begins by arranging a first end of a first optical fiber and a second end of a second optical fiber so that they face one another in close proximity. The first and second ends of the optical fibers are then laterally offset from one another and the first end of the first fiber is fused to the second end of the second fiber to create a fusion splice. Next, the attenuation imposed on an optical signal transmitted from the first to the second optical fiber and through the fusion splice is measured to determine an initial deviation in attenuation from a prescribed value. The fusion splice is then re-fused while exerting an axially directed force on the first and second ends of the optical fiber. The measurement step is repeated to determine a subsequent deviation in attenuation from the prescribed value and the re-fusion step is repeated to reduce the subsequent deviation in attenuation. If necessary, this process is repeated until a resulting deviation in attenuation falls within a prescribed tolerance.