Polarization independent, high speed tunable (approximately ns) optical filters/receivers are key components in future broadband switching networks. In this paper, the theory and experiment of a novel polarization independent tunable filter based on grating-assisted InGaAsP/InP directional coupler are reviewed. Such a filter, made of three planar coupled hetero-material waveguides, has the advantages of yield compensation after fabrication and low cross-talks between the TE and TM modes. It can also be broadly tuned while still maintaining polarization-independent performance. The approaches toward ultra-low sidelobe filter as well as 'window-'like filter spectrum also are discussed.

Date Published: 30 January 1997
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 2918, Emerging Components and Technologies for All-Optical Photonic Systems II, (30 January 1997); doi: 10.1117/12.265369

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2918:
Emerging Components and Technologies for All-Optical Photonic Systems II
Emil S. Koteles; Alan Eli Willner, Editor(s)