Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reformatting or interleaving a WDM signal that includes a plurality of optical channels having a first bandwidth and a first channel spacing. The method begins by receiving the WDM signal and dividing it into first and second subsets of optical channels each having a second channel spacing. Next, the first subset of optical channels are divided into third and fourth subsets of optical channels each having a third channel spacing. In addition, the second subset of optical channels is divided into fifth and sixth subsets of optical channels each having a fourth channel spacing. The third and fifth subsets of optical channels are combined to generate a first output WDM signal, while the fourth and sixth subsets of optical channels are combined to generate a second output WDM signal.

Abstract: A system and method for real time process control, using a linearly swept tunable laser, which allows high speed in-situ monitoring and control of wavelength-specific properties of optical components. The invention comprises scanning an optical component with a high speed, high linearity tunable laser, and detecting optical output from the component during the scanning. Preferably, the invention also includes adjusting or controlling the optical properties of the component during scanning, according to detected optical output from the component. The invention is embodied in a process control system comprising a high speed, high linearity, tunable operatively coupled to an optical component which in turn is operatively coupled to an optical detector. A system control processor is operatively coupled to the tunable laser and detector. A processing control unit is associated with the optical component and is operatively coupled to the system control processor.