Abstract: An optical multiplexing apparatus of a low cost is capable of reliably multiplexing a plurality of optical signals having a narrow wavelength interval, while suppressing the nonlinear optical effect and the crosstalk, and a multiplexing method. The optical multiplexing apparatus includes a first optical multiplexer for multiplexing, among a plurality of optical signals that are input with directions of linear polarization of the neighboring wavelengths being differed to each other, optical signals having odd wavelength numbers while maintaining their polarization states. A second optical multiplexer multiplexes optical signals having even wavelength numbers while maintaining their polarization states, and a third optical multiplexer multiplexes, at an output unit thereof through first and second input units having sharp filtering characteristics, the optical signals multiplexed by the first and second optical multiplexing means, to output WDM signal light.

Abstract: In the control method for the optical filter according to the present invention, WDM signal light obtained by wavelength division multiplexing a plurality of optical signals having different wavelengths is supplied to an optical filter to obtain output WDM signal light including a part of the plurality of optical signals. The output WDM signal light is converted into an electrical signal per wavelength channel of the output WDM signal light. Then, the optical filter is controlled according to the electrical signal so that the characteristic of the optical filter becomes stable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) which utilizes a grating-based channel separator. The WDM includes an interleaved channel separator; and at least one channel separator optically coupled to the interleaved channel separator. The channel separator includes a grating. In a preferred embodiment, the channel separator also includes an alignment surface of the grating, a sleeve comprising a mount, the mount capable of contacting the grating, and an alignment plate coupled to an outer surface of the sleeve, wherein the alignment plate is capable of contacting the alignment surface of the grating. This grating-based channel separator affords a quick, easy, precise and reproducible positioning and alignment of grating block. Thus, the WDM is minimized in size while also reproducibly assembled with perfect alignment in a minimal amount of time.

Abstract: An optical transmission system for an optical communications system that has an optical source, an optical modulator for modulating an optical output of the optical source, and an optical filter arranged to substantially remove one of the upper and lower sidebands of the modulated optical output of the optical source. The optical transmission system further includes a control means to control at least one of the optical source and the optical filter to ensure that substantially only half of the power of the modulated optical output of the optical source is transmitted by the filter, thereby reducing the bandwidth of the optical signals transmitted by the system.

Abstract: An optical dropping apparatus and an optical add/drop multiplexer capable of dropping optical signals of an arbitrary wavelength from a WDM optical signal. The apparatus comprises a generating means for occurring four-wave mixing, a dropping means for dropping light of a predetermined wavelength, and a controlling means for controlling the wavelength of a pump light which is occurred four-wave mixing at the generating means. This apparatus is able to change the wavelength of the optical signals to be dropped, by changing the wavelength of the pump light.

Abstract: A multichannel WDM transmission system incorporates a plurality of WDM optical sources with stabilized wavelengths and light intensity. Efficient stabilization of these characteristics is achieved by modulation of WDM sources by distinguishing low frequency electrical signals in a range between 1 and 4 kHz and modulation depth in a range between 1% and 5% that are used as WDM source identifiers. After the modulated outputs of the WDM sources are multiplexed and filtered, a Fourier transform of total light intensity may be obtained. Digital feedbacks provide stabilization of both the wavelength and light intensity of each WDM optical source.

Abstract: For a WDM device including a multiplexer receiving fixed wavelengths, wavelength-converting parts for converting input wavelengths from optical transmission devices into the fixed wavelengths, and interface parts provided between the multiplexer and the wavelength-converting parts and having a specific wavelength that matches the fixed wavelength of the multiplexing part, a method and a device is provided for automatically determining the specific wavelength of the interface part that is to be selected as a converted wavelength output from the wavelength-converting part.

Abstract: An optical transmitter having a function which compensates for wavelength dispersion is provided with a plurality of light sources for outputting light having wavelengths that differ from one another. Before the optical transmission system begins operating, the wavelength of light output to an optical transmission line is varied by changing over the light sources in order to detect a wavelength whose transmission characteristic is optimum with regard to wavelength dispersion exhibited by this optical transmission line. During system operation, the light having the detected optimum wavelength is output to the optical transmission line.

Abstract: An optical signal repeater, in which an output level of each optical signal of WDM optical signals does not change even when the number of wavelengths of inputted WDM optical signals changes, amplifies WDM optical signals transmitted from an optical transmitter via an optical fiber transmission line. A pumping light source outputs pumping light used for amplifying the WDM optical signal. A multiplexer transmits the pumping light to an amplifier, and a splits the amplified WDM optical signals into two parts. A wavelength selection type reflector reflects only an optical signal having a specified wavelength in one part of the amplified WDM optical signals. An automatic output level controller controls the pumping light output from the pumping light source so that the power level becomes a designated level. A reflected optical signal transmitter transmits the optical signal having the specified wavelength reflected to the automatic output level controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modulation controlling circuit for supplying a modulating signal to an external modulator that outputs a modulated optical signal, while setting a proper operating point in the external modulator. The external modulator that operates in cooperation with the modulation controlling circuit of the invention enables high-quality modulation at a wide bit rate range. Therefore, in an optical transmission system or a measuring instrument to which the invention is applied, the characteristics and the performance are improved and the operation is made stable without loss of advantages of the external modulator.

Abstract: An optical spectrum slicer capable of converting and outputting discontinuous spectrum lights having spectral components at a desired wavelength spacing from a broad band continuous spectrum light, with a simple constitution and at a reduced cost, the slider comprising a birefringent device having two polarization axes each orthogonal to an optical axis (z) and linear polarizers disposed at the light incident end and the light emission end thereof, with the direction of polarization being inclined by about 45° relative to each of polarization axes, and a heat generator for controlling the temperature of the birefringent device thereby variably controlling each of wavelengths while maintaining the wavelength spacing of the discontinuous spectrum lights.