Abstract

We consider in this paper optical networks made entirely of passive single-mode interconnection components. These can be lengths of fiber, or integrated optic waveguides, in which the same kind of single mode propagates. These individual modes can also be added/divided by means of directional couplers interconnecting the waveguides. [Similar networks could also be considered, making use of free-space Gaussian beams and beam-splitters; this however, would introduce difficulties due to alignment and diffraction.] We refer to the resulting architectures as passive single-mode optical networks.

© 1987 Optical Society of America