Cascaded holographic polymer reflection grating filters for optical-code-division multiple-access applications

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Telecommunications

Background:

• Optical-code-division multiple-access (OCDMA) systems require efficient and reliable coding/decoding mechanisms.
• Holographic Bragg filters offer potential for wavelength selectivity and multiplexing in optical networks.
• Phenanthrenequinone-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PQ/PMMA) is explored as a suitable host material for holographic recording.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of edge-illuminated holographic Bragg filters in PQ/PMMA for OCDMA.
• To demonstrate the formation and performance of cascaded Bragg filters for time-wavelength OCDMA.
• To assess the practicality of filter configuration and tolerances for OCDMA applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of edge-illuminated holographic Bragg filters in PQ/PMMA.
• Formation of cascaded Bragg filters with fixed grating separation.
• Integration with a fiber-measurement system for optical signal analysis.
• Evaluation of filter performance for wavelength selection and OCDMA coding/decoding.

Main Results:

• Successfully formed cascaded Bragg filters capable of selecting two distinct wavelengths.
• Demonstrated direct coupling of filters to a fiber-measurement system.
• Showcased practical configuration and tolerances for the cascaded gratings.
• Validated the filters' suitability for time-wavelength OCDMA applications.

Conclusions:

• Edge-illuminated holographic Bragg filters in PQ/PMMA are viable for OCDMA.
• Cascaded grating configurations are practical for time-wavelength OCDMA.
• The developed filters offer a promising approach for advanced optical communication systems.