Abstract

An optical add/drop multiplexer (ADM) is a device that gives simultaneous access to all wavelength channels in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) communication systems[1]. Various kinds of candidates, such as cascaded asymmetrical Mach-Zehnder filters [2], acousto-optic filters [3], transversal filters [4], and channel selection filters employing arrayed-waveguide gratings [5],[6], have been proposed. However, these filters were so called gate switches that eliminate unselected optical signals. The present paper reports, for the first time to our knowledge, fabrication of the fully integrated-optic 16ch ADM with 100-GHz channel spacing. It can transport all input signals to the succeeding stages without inherent power loss. Therefore, these optical ADMs are very attractive for the dynamic wavelength routing and allow the network to be transparent to signal format and bit rate.

© 1995 Optical Society of America