Laser wavelength control in an optical communication system

An optical communication method comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of optical sources each having a distinct wavelength;
• modulating each of the optical sources with a data signal and a first and second frequency test signal to produce a plurality of optical signals;
• converting the plurality of optical signals into a multiplexed optical signal;
• separating the multiplexed optical signal into the plurality of optical signals;
• and
• analyzing the frequency test signals in each optical signal to indicate a change in the wavelength of the corresponding optical source.

A wavelength stabilization system comprising:

• a plurality of optical sources each having a distinct wavelength;
• a system for modulating each of the optical sources with a data signal and a first and second frequency test signal to produce a plurality of optical signals;
• a system for analyzing the frequency test signals in each optical signal to indicate a change in the wavelength of the corresponding optical source, and for generating a plurality of control signals each corresponding to one of the optical signals;
• and
• a controller for regulating the wavelength of each of the optical sources based on the corresponding control signal generated by the analyzing system.

A method for wavelength stabilization comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of optical sources each having a distinct wavelength;
• modulating each of the optical sources with a data signal and a first and second frequency test signal to produce a plurality of optical signals;
• analyzing the frequency test signals in each optical signal to indicate a change in the wavelength of the corresponding optical source, and generating a control signal in response thereto;
• and
• regulating the wavelength of each of the optical sources based on the corresponding control signal generated by the analyzing system.