Abstract

Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) promises to add an important new degree of freedom to optical communications. Potential applications include higher-capacity point-to-point transmission, λ-based switching systems, and a variety of new networking and routing architectures. However the practical deployment of WDM presents major challenges to optical source technology. Depending on the application, optical terminals may be expected to provide rapid wavelength tuning or selection, or to independently provide extraordinary wavelength precision and stability without any system-level reference.

© 1995 Optical Society of America