DWDM Sources using a Laser based Frequency Comb with a Selective Modulator Array

摘要

The present document relates to optical transmission systems. In particular, the present document relates to a transmitter for optical Wavelength Division Multiplex (WDM) signals, notably Dense WDM (DWDM) signals. A WDM source (200) configured to provide a plurality of optical WDM signals at a corresponding plurality of wavelengths is described. The WDM source (200) comprises a laser (201) configured to provide a plurality of optical continuous waves at the plurality of wavelengths, respectively. Furthermore, the WDM source (200) comprises an input waveguide (204, 404) configured to guide the plurality of optical continuous waves. In addition, the WDM source (200) comprises a modulator array (400) comprising a plurality of modulators (210) for modulating the plurality of optical continuous waves, respectively. A first modulator (210) of the plurality of modulators (210) is optically coupled to the input waveguide (204, 404), such that the first modulator (210) is traversed by the plurality of optical continuous waves. The first modulator (210) is operable in an on-state and an off-state, wherein in the on-state, the first modulator (210) is configured to modify the continuous wave at the first of the plurality of wavelengths, while substantially letting unaffected the continuous waves at the others of the plurality of wavelengths, and wherein in the off-state, the first modulator (210) is configured to substantially let unaffected the plurality of continuous waves.