Compact High-Speed Wideband Multi-Drop Wavelength Tunable Filter Based on Super Compact Grating

The proposed project will undertake the research, design, and development of key concepts and technologies for high-speed electronically tunable channel filter, based on monolithically integrated super compact grating technology that has been developed in OptoNet. This project is performed by a strong multidisciplinary team of industry and academic researchers, including device design and packaging experts from OptoNet Inc., and device physics and fabrication experts from the Northwestern University. In Phase II of this project, the emphasis will be on the further development of the proposed fast tuning speed, wide tuning range fiber optic compatible tunable wavelength filter. The main efforts will be focusing on realizing low loss and high operating temperature range module. Our SCG based Tunable Filter has the following advantages: (1) Ultrafast tuning speed of 30dB; (3) Lossless or amplified throughput by integrated SOAs; (4) Compact size; (5) High ruggedness based on monolithic integration; (6). High manufacturability due to monolithic integration; (7) High functionalities with functions as channel equalizer or multi-channel amplifier; (8) Multiple-Channel Dropping; (9) Wide tuning range of >32nm; and (10) Accurate channel reference.