Abstract

The dispersion of the single mode fiber imposes an stringent limit to high bit rate optical data transmissions. Due to the variation of the group velocity at different wavelength, an optical pulse, which consists of a packet of wavelengths, will be gradually broadened as it travels through the single mode fiber for a long distance. While the dispersion compensating fiber (DCF) can be used to restore the pulse shape, the mismatch in the dispersion slope limits its effectiveness over the entire transmission band. Virtual Image Phase Array (VIPA) was proposed^1,2,3 to be used as a channelized dispersion compensators. Although the theory for the diffraction effect of VIPA was discussed previously, there was no treatment to its intensity response. The experimental data^1,2 showed rather large insertion loss in the order of 10 dB. This paper will present a clear theoretical analysis which will provide the design concept and design guideline for optimizing the performance of the device.

© 2002 Optical Society of America