Planar waveguide dispersion compensator
AssigneeNortel Networks Limited
InventorsGeorge H Thompson, James E Whiteaway, Terry Bricheno
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A planar dispersion compensator for an optical signal is provided. The compensator decomposes an inputted optical signal into N component signals separated by a fractional wavelength δλ. Each component signal has its path-length adjusted to induce a sufficient phase shift between input and output to change the group delay of the optical signal when recombined from each of the component signals. In this manner, pulse broadening can be compensated by selectively varying the induced phase shifts to produce the desired level of opposite group delay.
Claims5
A planar waveguide dispersion compensator for an optical signal which applies a phase shift Δφ to the optical signal, where the phase shift Δφ is a function of the wavelength of the optical signal, and wherein the phase shift Δφ is selected to adjust at least one characteristic of the optical signal in the re-combined signal, said planar waveguide dispersion compensator comprising a planar waveguide strip lens, wherein said strip lens comprises a middle portion of substantially uniform thickness;
- and at least one end portion thicker than said middle portion.
A planar waveguide composite lens comprising a plurality of strip lens, at least one strip lens comprising:
- a middle portion of substantially uniform thickness;
- and at least one end portion thicker than said middle portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.