Abstract: An optical fiber characterized by a dispersion of not less than 2 ps/nm/km and not more than 10 ps/nm/km at a wavelength of 1550 nm, an effective area of 65 ?m2 or more at a wavelength of 1550 nm, a positive dispersion slope at a wavelength of 1550 nm, a zero dispersion wavelength outside the wavelength range of 1400 nm to 1460 nm, an absolute value of dispersion of not less than 2 ps/nm/km and not more than 10 ps/nm/km at a wavelength of 1400 nm, a cutoff wavelength of 1400 nm or shorter, and a transmission loss of 0.40 dB/km or less at a wavelength of 1400 nm is provided. By using the optical fiber of the present invention, the WDM transmission both in the 1.55 ?m wavelength band and in the wavelength range between 1400 nm to 1460 nm is realized.

Abstract: A flat-top arrayed waveguide grating with a Hyper-Gaussian distribution function and a modified sinc design exhibits a very low chromatic dispersion, low loss and requires a relatively small number of waveguides. Controlled loss is introduced into certain waveguides of the array by creating gaps (unguided regions) between the waveguides to produce a desired predetermined amplitude distribution. The gaps are preferably arranged in the middle of the array.

Abstract: A dye thin film containing a dye compound represented by the general formula (I), an optical switch, an optical distributor, an optical modulator and an optical switch array having the dye thin film, as well as a method for producing a dye thin film are provided. The method includes the step of coating the solution of the dye compound on a substrate: where R1 and R2 may be identical or different from each other and each represents, respectively, a linear alkyl group or a branched alkyl group, the dye thin film having high thermal stability, having intense absorption at approximately 1.3 ?m and having ultrafast response characteristic.

Abstract: The device enables bi-directional optical communication between a master module and slave modules by means of an optical rod (1) made of transparent material. The master module is axially coupled to the rod. The modules are arranged laterally along a useful part of the rod bounded by a lateral reflector located opposite the slave modules. The lateral reflector can be formed by a plurality of adjacent notches (12) formed at the surface of the rod and constituting a continuous reflecting zone in the form of serrated teeth, and/or by a narrow reflecting strip (17). The slave modules can be positioned anywhere along the useful part of the rod and their lateral location is not critical, a lateral coupling zone extending over at least 1 cm outside the rod. Such a device can be advantageously used in an electrical panel.