Abstract: A flash optical performance monitor for monitoring DWDM channels is disclosed. The monitor is to assess the spectral quality of an optical signal received and to determine from changes in the spectral quality, relative to a known spectral quality indicative of an acceptable signal, an estimate of signal quality. The flash optical performance monitor comprises a spectroemetric transducer for performing a spectral decomposition of the optical signal received, and for transforming the decomposed optical signal into electrical-domain data, a memory for storing advanced digital signal processing routines, and a processor in connection with the wavelength optical unit and with the memory. The processor receives the advanced digital signal processing routines and the electrical spectral data, and applies the advanced digital signal processing routines to the electrical spectral data. Also a method for monitoring a quality of data transmission of at least one optical channel is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assembly is presented for a multi-wavelength optical monitor (MWOM) for use in fibre optic telecommunication networks. The method allows coarse optimisation to be used to align an input optical fibre and detector array relative to a wavelength division demultiplexing element. The detector array output data are transformed with a digital signal processor into relative intensities of the components of the spectrum or spectral parameters of telecommunication channels.

Abstract: A flash optical performance monitor for monitoring DWDM channels is disclosed. The monitor is to assess the spectral quality of an optical signal received and to determine from changes in the spectral quality, relative to a known spectral quality indicative of an acceptable signal, an estimate of signal quality. The flash optical performance monitor comprises a spectrometric transducer for performing a spectral decomposition of the optical signal received, and for transforming the decomposed optical signal into electrical-domain data, a memory for storing advanced digital signal processing routines, and a processor in connection with the wavelength optical unit and with the memory. The processor receives the advanced digital signal processing routines and the electrical spectral data, and applies the advanced digital signal processing routines to the electrical spectral data. Also a method for monitoring a quality of data transmission of at least one optical channel is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assembly is presented for a multi-wavelength optical monitor (MWOM) for use in fibre optic telecommunication networks. The method allows coarse optimisation to be used to align an input optical fibre and detector array relative to a wavelength division demultiplexing element. The detector array output data are transformed with a digital signal processor into relative intensities of the components of the spectrum or spectral parameters of telecommunication channels.

Abstract: A method for spectral measurement is disclosed. The method uses a low-resolution grating to disperse light and thereby image a spectrum thereof. The imaged spectrum is converted into a digital electrical signal and is processed in order to enhance the spectral information. The resulting spectral information is analogous to that captured using a higher resolution spectral imager with optical processing of the spectral data. The method is equally applicable to enhancing resolution of spectra captured using high resolution spectral imaging devices.