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Ultra-High-Speed Photonic Add-Drop Multiplexers for Wave-Division Multiplexed Networking--Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems, 1778 Fordham Way, Mountain View, CA 94040-3662; 650-967-4107
Dr. Behzad Moslehi, Principal Investigator
Dr. Behzad Moslehi, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82599
Amount: $749,905
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is becoming increasingly important in bandwidth-intensive, optical networking applications including the Next Generation Internet. A key building block for these networks is the Wavelength Add-Drop Multiplexer (WADM). Current optical networks deploying DWDM technology are sub-optimal and expensive because key WADM optical interconnects, such as arrayed waveguide routers and commercial filters, are costly and require the use of additional switching components for dynamic operation. This project will develop a new approach for efficient, compact, low-cost WADMs for accessing and manipulating wavelength channels in multi-wavelength systems. This approach integrates three processes, each of which selectively changes fiber properties to create static and dynamic WADMs with significantly improved performance and lower cost. Phase I experimental work, simulations, and prototype demonstration proved that the approach was scientifically valid and had the potential for positively affecting optical network design and infrastructure development. Phase II involves fabricating packaged WADM access modules, testing and evaluating performance and reliability, and preparing the technology for commercialization by interacting with market-driven, private-sector partners.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed WADM access modules and spin-off filtering and switching products should have significant market potential in multi-wavelength communications (long-haul and short-haul), including demanding government programs in distributed dense optical computing, which promises drastic increases in the information-carrying capacity. No other known product has the combination of low-cost manufacturability, high-efficiency, high-speed, and compactness afforded by the proposed WADM devices. The WADM business is characterized as being a large and under-served market which is projected to grow to over $7.2 billion by 2008.