Orthogonally-combining interleaving filter multiplexer and systems and methods using same

摘要

In general, a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) communication system simultaneously pre-filters and combines groups of wavelengths with orthogonal polarizations to provide a pre-filtered, pair-wise orthogonal aggregate WDM optical signal. In particular, an orthogonally-combining interleaving filter multiplexer provides substantially orthogonal polarizations for odd and even channel wavelengths and simultaneously pre-filters and combines the orthogonally polarized odd and even channel wavelengths using interleaver optics. The orthogonal polarizations may be provided by orientation of PM input fibers or by a polarization rotator in the orthogonally-combining interleaving filter multiplexer.

主权项

1. An orthogonally-combining interleaving filter multiplexer comprising:
a first channel optical input comprising a first optical fiber configured to receive a first set of multiplexed wavelengths, said first channel optical input configured to polarize the first set of multiplexed wavelengths with a first polarization and provide the first set of multiplexed wavelengths along a first optical input path extending along a first axis; a second channel optical input comprising a second optical fiber different from said first optical fiber, said second optical fiber configured to receive a second set of multiplexed wavelengths, said second channel optical input configured to polarize the second set of multiplexed wavelengths with a second polarization substantially orthogonal to the first polarization and provide the second set of multiplexed wavelengths along a second optical input path extending along a second axis, the second optical input path being generally perpendicular to the first optical input path; interleaver optics comprising:
a beam combiner disposed along the first optical input path and the second optical input path and configured to pass the first set of multiplexed wavelengths and reflect the second set of multiplexed wavelengths;a reflector disposed along the first optical input path and configured to receive the first set of multiplexed wavelengths passed by the beam combiner, the reflector being angled at a first angle relative to the first optical input path such that the reflector is configured to reflect the received first set of multiplexed wavelengths along an optical output path extending along a third axis;a Gires-Tournois (GT) cavity established between the beam combiner and the reflector,wherein the interleaver optics are configured to filter and combine the first set of wavelengths having the first polarization and the second set of wavelengths having the second polarization to produce pre-filtered, pair-wise orthogonal aggregate channel wavelengths along the optical output path; a combined channel optical output comprising an output fiber disposed along the optical output path and configured to receive and output the pre-filtered, pair-wise orthogonal aggregate channel wavelengths.