Managing channels with different wavelengths in optical networks
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorDmitri E. Nikonov
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An arrayed waveguide grating may include a plurality of waveguides, each associated with a different channel in a wavelength division multiplexed system. Each incoming signal channel in a node of a wavelength division multiplexed network may be of an arbitrary wavelength and is provided to one of the wavelength converters attached on the arrayed waveguide grating. Each converter also receives one of blank light channels of different wavelengths on a grid. The converters convert each of the incoming wavelength signals to one of the distinct new wavelength signals on the grid of wavelengths, and these new wavelength signals are multiplexed into a fiber.
Claims17
A method comprising:
- providing a plurality of channels of wavelength division multiplexed signals to a plurality of converters, each associated with a waveguide of an arrayed waveguide grating;
- providing each converter with one continuous wave light channels on a grid of distinct wavelengths;
- and
- converting the channels of each wavelength division multiplexed signal to one of the wavelengths of the grid.
A device comprising:
- an array of waveguides to form an arrayed waveguide grating;
- a pair of star couplers coupled to said waveguides;
- an input waveguide coupled to one of said couplers;
- an output waveguide coupled to the other of said couplers;
- and
- a plurality of wavelength converters coupled to each of a plurality of channels in said input waveguide, each of said converters receiving two optical signals.
An optical network comprising:
- a plurality of fibers;
- a grid of lasers that produce light of distinct wavelengths;
- an arrayed waveguide grating coupled to said fibers and said lasers, said waveguide grating including a pair of couplers coupled to said waveguides;
- an input waveguide coupled to one of said couplers;
- an output waveguide coupled to the other of said couplers;
- and
- a plurality of wavelength converters each coupled to one of said fibers and to said input waveguide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.