Abstract: A raised cosine waveform is used for the drive signal input to an optical device that exhibits a nonlinear time domain response (e.g., tunable optical filter). The raised cosine waveform (either current or voltage) exhibits significantly fewer high frequency components than conventional drive signals and, as a result, reduces the oscillatory movements of the device as it is settling into a target position. In the specific example of a MEMS tilt mirror as used to tune a nonlinear optical filter, the raised cosine drive signal allows for the tilt mirror to quickly settle into a new position and avoid the prolonged oscillatory motion known to limit the responsivity of prior art tunable optical filters.

Abstract: A multiport optical switch (such as an N×1 switch) is used to controllably select a specific incoming optical signal that is to be processed by an associated optical channel monitor (OCM). The OCM includes a tunable optical filter and photodetector arrangement, and is configured to measure the optical spectrum of the incoming optical signal and extract information associated with the various optical channels (wavelengths) forming the incoming optical signal (i.e., power, wavelength, OSNR and the like for each channel). The OCM also includes a signal processing component that generates a pair of output control signals, a first signal to control the wavelength scanning process of the tunable optical filter and a second signal to control the setting of the multiport optical switch.

Abstract: A multiport optical switch (such as an N×1 switch) is used to controllably select a specific incoming optical signal that is to be processed by an associated optical channel monitor (OCM). The OCM includes a tunable optical filter and photodetector arrangement, and is configured to measure the optical spectrum of the incoming optical signal and extract information associated with the various optical channels (wavelengths) forming the incoming optical signal (i.e., power, wavelength, OSNR and the like for each channel). The OCM also includes a signal processing component that generates a pair of output control signals, a first signal to control the wavelength scanning process of the tunable optical filter and a second signal to control the setting of the multiport optical switch.

Abstract: A dispersion-compensating fiber amplifier having a Raman pumped dispersion-compensating fiber and a distributed optical amplifier. The dispersion-compensating fiber is pumped such that the noise contribution of the dispersion-compensating fiber is reduced.

Abstract: A dispersion-compensating fiber amplifier having a Raman pumped dispersion-compensating fiber and a distributed optical amplifier. The dispersion-compensating fiber is pumped such that the noise contribution of the dispersion-compensating fiber is reduced.