Abstract: A method of estimating nonlinear transmission impairments of an Optical Channel (OCh) trail in an optical communications network. A per-span nonlinear field variance is calculated for each span of the trail. The per-span nonlinear field variance represents nonlinearly induced noise due to the transmission impairments of that span. The nonlinearly induced noise being imparted to a signal transmitted through the trail and detected by the receiver. A respective covariance between the nonlinear fields contributed by each span pair of the OCh trail is computed. The covariance represents the correlation of the nonlinearly induced noise imparted to the signal within the first span of a span pair with the nonlinearly induced noise imparted to the signal within the second span of the pair. A covariance matrix is populated using the computed per-span variance values and covariance values. A total nonlinear field variance is computed by summing over the covariance matrix elements.

Abstract: A system for generating an optical CATV comb comprising a plurality of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical CATV signals. A set of one or more lasers generate a plurality of narrow-band continuous wave (CW) lights, each CW light having a respective predetermined wavelength and optical power level. An optical MUX couples the plurality of CW lights into a WDM continuous wave light. A broadband optical modulator responsive to a CATV signal modulates the WDM continuous wave light to generate the optical CATV comb.

Abstract: A method of estimating an injection power of seed light injected into an injection-seeded transmitter. A back face monitoring (BFM) response of the injection-seeded transmitter is determined, and data representative of the BFM response stored in a memory. During run-time, a controller of the injection-seeded transmitter, detects a temperature of the injection-seeded transmitter and an instantaneous BFM current. BFM response data is obtained from the memory based on the detected temperature, and the seed light injection power estimated based on the obtained data and the detected instantaneous BFM current.

Abstract: A method of estimating an injection power of seed light injected into an injection-seeded transmitter. A back face monitoring (BFM) response of the injection-seeded transmitter is determined, and data representative of the BFM response stored in a memory. During run-time, a controller of the injection-seeded transmitter, detects a temperature of the injection-seeded transmitter and an instantaneous BFM current. BFM response data is obtained from the memory based on the detected temperature, and the seed light injection power estimated based on the obtained data and the detected instantaneous BFM current.

Abstract: A method of estimating an injection power of seed light injected into an injection-seeded transmitter. A back face monitoring (BFM) response of the injection-seeded transmitter is determined, and data representative of the BFM response stored in a memory. During run-time, a controller of the injection-seeded transmitter, detects a temperature of the injection-seeded transmitter and an instantaneous BFM current. BFM response data is obtained from the memory based on the detected temperature, and the seed light injection power estimated based on the obtained data and the detected instantaneous BFM current.

Abstract: A method of estimating an injection power of seed light injected into an injection-seeded transmitter. A back face monitoring (BFM) response of the injection-seeded transmitter is determined, and data representative of the BFM response stored in a memory. During run-time, a controller of the injection-seeded transmitter, detects a temperature of the injection-seeded transmitter and an instantaneous BFM current. BFM response data is obtained from the memory based on the detected temperature, and the seed light injection power estimated based on the obtained data and the detected instantaneous BFM current.

Abstract: A Wavelength Division Multiplexed Passive Optical Network (WDM-PON) includes a plurality of broadband light sources, each broadband light source being connected to receive a respective data signal and generating a corresponding modulated broadband optical signal. An Array Waveguide Grating (AWG) is connected for receiving each modulated broadband optical signal through a respective branch port and for generating a filtered broadband signal. The AWG implements a filter function comprising a respective pass-band associated with each branch port such that the filtered broadband signal exhibits a respective intensity peak associated with each pass-band. Each intensity peak is modulated with data from a respective one of the broadband light sources. A bandwidth of the respective modulated broadband optical signal generated by each broadband light source is at least equal to the width of a channel-band of the AWG.

Abstract: In a Wavelength Division Multiplexed Passive Optical Network (WDM-PON) including, a system for distributing uplink, downlink and RF/Video broadcast signalling. An Array Waveguide Grating (AWG) couples respective wavelength channels between a trunk fibre of the WDM-PON and a plurality of branch fibers of the WDM-PON. The AWG has a predetermined free spectral range and implements a channel plan comprising at least three spectral segments, each segment having a width equal to the free spectral range of the AWG. An Optical Line Terminal of the WDM-PON receives wavelength division multiplexed uplink signals within a first one of the spectral segments, and transmits wavelength division multiplexed downlink signals within a second one of the spectral segments. Respective channel plans within the first and second spectral segments are identical. An RF/Video broadcast transmitter generates an RF/Video broadcast signal within a third one of the spectral segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a colorless multiplexing system and method for detecting new optical channels at power levels below that which would cause data errors in existing traffic, and on top of background light, thus, overcoming a known risk inherent in colorless multiplexing—that a channel of the same wavelength as an existing channel is incorrectly added to the original working, traffic-carrying, channel's path.

Abstract: A system for generating an optical CATV comb comprising a plurality of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical CATV signals. A set of one or more lasers generate a plurality of narrow-band continuous wave (CW) lights, each CW light having a respective predetermined wavelength and optical power level. An optical MUX couples the plurality of CW lights into a WDM continuous wave light. A broadband optical modulator responsive to a CATV signal modulates the WDM continuous wave light to generate the optical CATV comb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a colorless multiplexing system and method for detecting new optical channels at power levels below that which would cause data errors in existing traffic, and on top of background light, thus, overcoming a known risk inherent in colorless multiplexing—that a channel of the same wavelength as an existing channel is incorrectly added to the original working, traffic-carrying, channel's path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the magnitude of multiple path interference (MPI) in a device under test (“DUT”) is disclosed. The DUT preferably forms part of an optical test system. The test system includes a light source, two back reflection paths, an output path, a lightwave signal analyzer and a computer. Before measuring MPI, the back reflection paths are calibrated. The input and output conditions are set and spectral data is collected. The spectral data is integrated to give a value for beat-noise power. The beat-noise power measurement allows generation of a crosstalk power ratio. The crosstalk power ratio is indicative of magnitude of multiple path interference.