Multi-wavelength phase stabilization

A multi-wavelength phase stabilization system for a communication system that uses a composite data signal consisting essentially of plural discrete optical signals at a plurality of discrete optical wavelengths each having an associated initial phase, comprising:

• an input for receiving the composite data signal;
• a broadband light source producing a range of wavelengths that include the plurality of discrete optical wavelengths;
• an interferometric mixing system coupled to the broadband light source and also coupled to receive the composite data signal, the mixing system producing a plurality of interference patterns associated with the plurality of discrete optical wavelengths;
• a detecting system coupled to the mixing system and producing plural electrical signals based on the intensity of the plurality of interference patterns;
• a control system coupled to the detecting system and operable to produce a plurality of phase lock-in control signals based on feedback from the electrical signals;
• a phase shifting system receptive of the composite data signal and controlled by the control system to independently adjust each of the plural discrete optical signals to a stabilized phase, such that the plural discrete optical signals are phase-stabilized to a common reference point.