Abstract: A hybrid WDM-TDM optical link employing a hybrid modelocked multi-wavelength semiconductor which provides approximately 4 to approximately 20 wavelength channels that makes possible modulated multiplexed data which when demultiplexed by ultra fast optical demultiplexing provides rates suitable for conventional electronic photo receivers. The link uses single-stripe GaAs/AlGaAs semiconductor optical amplifiers which simultaneously generate from approximately four to more than approximately twenty tunable WDM channels. Diode laser can also include InP, InGaAlP, InGaAsP, InGaP, InGaAs. A four channel version transmits approximately 12 picosecond pulses at approximately 2.5 GHz for an aggregate pulse rate of 100 GHz. When generating approximately 20 wavelength channels, each transmitting approximately 12 picosecond pulses at a rate of approximately 600 MHz, there is provided optical data and transmission systems operating at rates in excess of 800 Gbits/s.

Abstract: A splicing asymmetric reflective array (10) for combining at least two input beams (12, 14) into a combined output (16). The arrays include a plurality of substantially reflecting, adjacently positioned layers (20). Each layer (20) has substantially the same width (24) and substantially the same thickness (22) while having a different height dimension (26). A collective entry portion (40) is formed by the adjacent layers' width and thickness dimensions, wherein at least two input beams are directed into and received therein. A collective exit portion (42) is formed by the adjacent layers' height dimensions, wherein the height dimensions are monotonically increasing. A cascade array (60) incorporating the array 10 and reduced size arrays (64, 66, 68, and 70) may be used to combine more than two input beams into one. A three-dimensional array (80), which alters the slope of each layer's height dimension, can be used to combine four input beams (82) into one output beam (84).

Abstract: Single-stripe GaAs/AlGaAs semiconductor optical amplifiers which simultaneously generates from four to more than twenty tunable WDM channels. A four channel version transmits approximately 12 picosecond pulses at approximately 2.5 GHz for an aggregate pulse rate of 100 GHz. Wavelength tuning over 18 nm has been demonstrated with channel spacing ranging from approximately 0.8 nm to approximately 2 nm. A second version uses approximately 20 wavelength channels, each transmitting approximately 12 picosecond pulses at a rate of approximately 600 MHz. A spectral correlation across the multiwavelength spectrum which can be for utilizing single stripe laser diodes as multiwavelength sources in WDM-TDM networks. A third version of multiple wavelength generation uses a fiber-array and grating. And a fourth version of wavelength generation uses a Fabry-Perot Spectral filter. Also solid state laser sources and optical fiber laser sources can be used.