Glass integrated optics circuit for 1.48/1.55- and 1.30/1.55-µm-wavelength division multiplexing and 1/8 splitting

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks are crucial for high-capacity optical communication.
• Efficient integration of optical components is essential for miniaturization and cost reduction in WDM systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the integration of multiple wavelength multiplexers and a splitter onto a single glass substrate.
• To develop a compact optical device for WDM subscriber networks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized potassium- and silver-double-ion-exchange processes for fabrication on a glass substrate.
• Employed nonsymmetric three-port Mach-Zehnder interferometers for wavelength multiplexing.
• Incorporated symmetrical Y junctions for achromatic splitting.

Main Results:

• Successfully integrated a 1.48/1.55-µm multiplexer and a 1.30/1.55-µm multiplexer with a 1/8 splitter.
• Achieved facet-to-facet excess loss below 2.7 dB for both multiplexer types and the splitter.
• Demonstrated a functional device combining multiplexing and splitting capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The integrated device offers a compact solution for WDM systems.
• The device is compatible with erbium-doped fiber amplifiers for the 1.55-µm wavelength.
• This technology supports the development of advanced WDM subscriber networks.