JPH04235533A - Light wavelength filtering device - Google Patents
Light wavelength filtering deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH04235533A JPH04235533A JP1237391A JP1237391A JPH04235533A JP H04235533 A JPH04235533 A JP H04235533A JP 1237391 A JP1237391 A JP 1237391A JP 1237391 A JP1237391 A JP 1237391A JP H04235533 A JPH04235533 A JP H04235533A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- optical
- optical signal
- wavelength filter
- input
- unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 title abstract 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 58
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 288
- 230000002194 synthesizing effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 11
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001427 coherent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000010363 phase shift Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005701 quantum confined stark effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002834 transmittance Methods 0.000 description 1
Abstract
Description
【0001】0001
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、光通信、光信号処理に
おいて光信号の広帯域性を利用した大容量の信号処理を
正確に行うために必要となる光波長フィルタ装置に関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical wavelength filter device necessary for accurately performing large-capacity signal processing utilizing the broadband properties of optical signals in optical communication and optical signal processing.
【0002】0002
【従来の技術】近年、光通信が実用化し、さらに光通信
の大容量化を目指して波長多重通信、光通信回線交換お
よびコヒーレント通信等が試みられている。それに伴い
、波長可変性をもったレーザ装置、可変光波長フィルタ
装置、波長変換レーザ装置等の光機能素子が要求されて
いる。特に、可変光波長フィルタ装置は、波長多重通信
において波長多重された光信号を選択する上で必要不可
欠である。従来通常に使用されている波長フィルタ装置
は、ある波長を中心とする透過帯域に含まれる波長の入
力光信号を透過もしくは増幅するものであった。2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, optical communication has been put into practical use, and wavelength division multiplexing communication, optical communication line switching, coherent communication, etc. are being attempted with the aim of increasing the capacity of optical communication. Accordingly, there is a demand for optical functional elements such as wavelength tunable laser devices, tunable optical wavelength filter devices, and wavelength conversion laser devices. In particular, a tunable optical wavelength filter device is essential for selecting wavelength-multiplexed optical signals in wavelength division multiplexing communications. Conventionally, commonly used wavelength filter devices transmit or amplify input optical signals having wavelengths included in a transmission band centered on a certain wavelength.
【0003】0003
【発明が解決しようとする課題】複数の異なる波長にそ
れぞれの信号を割り当てる波長多重光通信等においては
、波長多重光信号から、それを構成する単位光信号を選
択して取り出すことが必要である。図5は、波長多重光
通信等の技術分野で望まれる波長フィルタ装置の一例の
説明図である。[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] In wavelength multiplexed optical communications, etc., in which signals are assigned to a plurality of different wavelengths, it is necessary to select and extract constituent optical signals from the wavelength multiplexed optical signal. . FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wavelength filter device desired in technical fields such as wavelength division multiplexing optical communications.
【0004】この図においては、複数の異なる波長、例
えばλa 、λc 、の単位制御光信号を含む制御光信
号によって多数の異なる波長、例えばλ1 、λ2 、
λ3 、λ4 の単位入力光信号からなる入力光信号の
、各波長ごとの透過、非透過を制御し、入力光信号から
、単位制御信号と特定の関係をもつ波長、例えばλ1
、λ3 の単位入力光信号のみを選択して透過光信号と
して出力させる。In this figure, a control optical signal including a unit control optical signal of a plurality of different wavelengths, eg λa, λc, is used to generate a plurality of different wavelengths, eg λ1, λ2, λc.
Transmission or non-transmission of each wavelength of the input optical signal consisting of unit input optical signals of λ3 and λ4 is controlled, and a wavelength having a specific relationship with the unit control signal, for example λ1, is controlled from the input optical signal.
, λ3 are selected and output as transmitted optical signals.
【0005】この機能を達成できると、一本の制御光信
号に含まれる単位制御信号の有無によって、単位制御光
信号と特定の関係にある単位入力光信号を選択できるか
ら、光通信回線の交換、光信号処理等において、信号選
択が容易になる。さらに、これを一般化して、制御光信
号に含まれる単位制御光信号と1対多、多対1、多対多
に対応した単位入力光信号を選択するようにすることが
でき、将来開発されることが期待される光信号処理にお
いて自由度を増加させる。上記の説明では、単位制御光
信号によって直接単位入力光信号の透過を制御するとし
たが、単位制御光信号と特定の関係を有する他の波長の
光信号、あるいは、単位制御光信号と特定の関係を有す
る電気信号等によって間接的に単位入力光信号を制御す
ることもできる。If this function can be achieved, it will be possible to select a unit input optical signal that has a specific relationship with a unit control optical signal depending on the presence or absence of a unit control signal included in one control optical signal, which will facilitate the switching of optical communication lines. , signal selection becomes easier in optical signal processing and the like. Furthermore, this can be generalized to select a unit control optical signal included in a control optical signal and a unit input optical signal that corresponds to one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many. This increases the degree of freedom in optical signal processing. In the above explanation, it is assumed that the transmission of the unit input optical signal is directly controlled by the unit control optical signal, but it is assumed that the unit control optical signal directly controls the transmission of the unit input optical signal. It is also possible to indirectly control the unit input optical signal by, for example, an electrical signal having .
【0006】ところが、上記の機能を達成する可変光波
長フィルタ装置は従来存在しなかった。したがって、本
発明は、制御光信号に含まれる異なる波長の単位制御信
号を変化することによって、これらの単位制御光信号と
特定の関係にある単位入力光信号を選択的に透過させる
ことができる可変光波長フィルタ装置を提供することを
目的とする。However, a variable optical wavelength filter device that achieves the above function has not conventionally existed. Therefore, the present invention provides a variable control system that can selectively transmit unit input optical signals having a specific relationship with these unit control optical signals by changing unit control signals of different wavelengths included in the control optical signals. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical wavelength filter device.
【0007】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明にかかる光波長フ
ィルタ装置においては、一つ以上の異なる波長の単位制
御光信号を含む制御光信号を、固定光波長フィルタ素子
によって各単位制御光信号ごとに分波する手段と、複数
の異なる波長の単位入力光信号を含む入力光信号を、そ
れぞれ異なる基準波長を中心とする波長を透過させる個
別光波長フィルタ素子によって各単位入力光信号ごとに
分波する手段と、分波された各単位入力光信号が入力さ
れ、特定の単位制御光信号によって単位入力光信号の透
過、非透過を制御する手段と、透過した複数の単位入力
光信号を合波する手段を採用し、複数の異なる波長の単
位入力光信号を含む入力光信号を、一つ以上の異なる波
長の単位制御光信号を含む制御光信号によって波長選択
して透過させるように構成した。[Means for Solving the Problems] In the optical wavelength filter device according to the present invention, a control optical signal including unit control optical signals of one or more different wavelengths is transmitted for each unit control optical signal by a fixed optical wavelength filter element. An input optical signal containing a plurality of unit input optical signals of different wavelengths is demultiplexed into each unit input optical signal by an individual optical wavelength filter element that transmits wavelengths centered around different reference wavelengths. means for inputting each demultiplexed unit input optical signal, means for controlling transmission or non-transmission of the unit input optical signal by a specific unit control optical signal, and means for combining the plurality of transmitted unit input optical signals. In this invention, an input optical signal including a plurality of unit input optical signals of different wavelengths is wavelength-selected and transmitted using a control optical signal including one or more unit control optical signals of different wavelengths.
【0008】また、波長を個別光波長フィルタ素子の透
過帯域幅以内の誤差でその透過帯域の中心をなす基準波
長に合わせた波長の異なる単位入力光信号を一つ以上含
む入力光信号と、この基準波長のいずれかに波長の一致
した単位制御光信号を交互に切り換えて個別光波長フィ
ルタ素子に入力する手段と、個別光波長フィルタ素子を
透過した光信号を、出力側と個別光波長フィルタ素子制
御器側に交互に切り換える手段と、透過した単位制御光
信号を変換した電気信号を個別光波長フィルタ素子制御
器を介して個別光波長フィルタ素子に入力する手段とを
採用し、単位制御光信号を個別光波長フィルタ素子に入
力し、個別光波長フィルタ素子制御器側に透過するよう
に両切り換え手段を設定し、個別光波長フィルタ素子を
透過した単位制御光信号を受光し変換した電気信号によ
り個別光波長フィルタ素子の動作条件を制御して、個別
光波長フィルタ素子がその波長に対して最適の透過波長
特性を得るようにし、個別光波長フィルタ素子の動作条
件をそのままに保った状態で、入力光信号が個別光波長
フィルタ素子に入力し、出力側に透過するように両切り
換え手段を設定して入力光信号の波長選択動作を行うよ
うにした。[0008] Furthermore, an input optical signal including one or more unit input optical signals having different wavelengths whose wavelengths are matched to a reference wavelength forming the center of the transmission band with an error within the transmission band width of the individual optical wavelength filter element; means for alternately switching a unit control optical signal whose wavelength matches one of the reference wavelengths and inputting it to the individual optical wavelength filter element; and means for transmitting the optical signal transmitted through the individual optical wavelength filter element to the output side and the individual optical wavelength filter element. The unit control optical signal is input to the individual optical wavelength filter element, both switching means are set so that it is transmitted to the individual optical wavelength filter element controller side, and the unit control optical signal transmitted through the individual optical wavelength filter element is received and converted by the electric signal. The operating conditions of the individual optical wavelength filter elements are controlled so that the individual optical wavelength filter elements obtain optimal transmission wavelength characteristics for the wavelength, and while the operating conditions of the individual optical wavelength filter elements are maintained as they are, Both switching means are set so that the input optical signal is input to the individual optical wavelength filter element and transmitted to the output side, and the wavelength selection operation of the input optical signal is performed.
【0009】[0009]
【作用】異なる波長の単位制御光信号を含む制御光信号
を、各単位制御光信号に分波し、複数の異なる波長の単
位入力光信号を含む入力光信号を、単位入力光信号に分
波して透過制御器を通し、この異なる波長の各単位入力
光信号を単位制御光信号によって選択的に透過させ、透
過した単位入力光信号を合波すると、単位制御光信号を
変えることによって、入力光信号から、任意の波長の単
位入力光信号を選択して透過させる光波長フィルタ装置
を実現することができる。また、個別光波長フィルタ素
子に、入力光信号と、基準波長のいずれかに波長の一致
した単位制御光信号を交互に入力し、単位制御光信号を
用いて個別光波長フィルタ素子の動作条件を最適の透過
特性を得るように調節し、個別光波長フィルタ素子の動
作条件をそのまま保った状態で、入力信号を入力光信号
に切替えることによって、個別フィルタ素子の経時変化
を補正し、単位制御光、すなわち、基準波長のいずれか
の波長に正確に合った透過特性を維持しながら、単位制
御光に応じて波長選択が可能となる。[Operation] Demultiplexes a control optical signal including unit control optical signals of different wavelengths into each unit control optical signal, and demultiplexes an input optical signal including unit input optical signals of multiple different wavelengths into unit input optical signals. Then, each unit input optical signal with a different wavelength is selectively transmitted by a unit control optical signal through a transmission controller, and the transmitted unit input optical signals are combined. By changing the unit control optical signal, the input It is possible to realize an optical wavelength filter device that selects and transmits a unit input optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength from optical signals. In addition, the input optical signal and a unit control optical signal whose wavelength matches one of the reference wavelengths are alternately input to the individual optical wavelength filter element, and the operating conditions of the individual optical wavelength filter element are determined using the unit control optical signal. Adjustments are made to obtain the optimum transmission characteristics, and by switching the input signal to the input optical signal while maintaining the operating conditions of the individual optical wavelength filter elements, changes over time of the individual filter elements are corrected, and the unit control light is In other words, it is possible to select the wavelength according to the unit control light while maintaining transmission characteristics that accurately match any of the reference wavelengths.
【0010】0010
【実施例】以下、本発明の実施例を説明する。
(第1実施例)図1は、本発明の光波長フィルタ装置の
第1実施例の構成図である。この図において、FC は
制御光信号用光波長フィルタ、1〜4は制御光信号用個
別光波長フィルタ素子、FS は入力光信号用波長フィ
ルタ、5〜8は入力光信号用個別波長フィルタ素子、S
1 〜S4は光透過制御器、ΛC は制御光信号、ΛS
は入力光信号、ΛT は透過光信号である。[Examples] Examples of the present invention will be described below. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of an optical wavelength filter device of the present invention. In this figure, FC is an optical wavelength filter for control optical signals, 1 to 4 are individual optical wavelength filter elements for control optical signals, FS are wavelength filters for input optical signals, 5 to 8 are individual wavelength filter elements for input optical signals, S
1 to S4 are light transmission controllers, ΛC is a control light signal, ΛS
is the input optical signal and ΛT is the transmitted optical signal.
【0011】この実施例においては、光伝送路を経て送
られてきた、波長λa 、λb 、λc 、λd の単
位制御光信号を含む制御光信号ΛC は、それぞれ、波
長λa 、λb、λc 、λd の波長透過帯域を有す
る個別光波長フィルタ素子1、2、3、4をもつ制御光
信号用光波長フィルタFC によって単位制御光信号に
分波される。一方、他の光伝送路を経て送られてきた、
複数の異なる波長の単位入力光信号を含む入力光信号Λ
S は、それぞれ異なる基準波長λ1 、λ2 、λ3
、λ4 を中心とする波長を透過させる個別光波長フ
ィルタ素子5、6、7、8をもつ入力光信号用波長フィ
ルタFS によって各単位入力光信号に分波される。In this embodiment, the control optical signal ΛC including unit control optical signals of wavelengths λa, λb, λc, and λd sent through the optical transmission line has wavelengths λa, λb, λc, and λd, respectively. The control light signal is demultiplexed into unit control light signals by a control light signal light wavelength filter FC having individual light wavelength filter elements 1, 2, 3, and 4 having a wavelength transmission band of . On the other hand, the data sent via other optical transmission lines,
An input optical signal Λ containing unitary input optical signals of multiple different wavelengths
S are different reference wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3, respectively.
.
【0012】そして、分波された各単位入力光信号は、
それぞれ光透過制御器S1 、S2 、S3 、S4
にそれぞれ入力され、特定の関係をもつ単位制御光信号
によって透過、非透過を制御され、光透過光制御器を透
過した単位入力光信号は再び合波され、透過光信号ΛT
として一本の光伝送路に送出されるようになっている
。上記の構成において、制御光信号に含まれる単位制御
光信号を変えることのみによって、複数の異なる波長の
単位入力光信号を含む入力光信号から、任意の単位入力
光信号を容易に選択して透過させることができる。[0012] Each demultiplexed unit input optical signal is
Light transmission controllers S1, S2, S3, S4, respectively
The unit input optical signals that are input to each unit, transmitted or non-transmitted are controlled by unit control optical signals having a specific relationship, and transmitted through the optical transmitting light controller are combined again to form a transmitted optical signal ΛT
It is designed to be sent out as a single optical transmission line. In the above configuration, by simply changing the unit control optical signal included in the control optical signal, any unit input optical signal can be easily selected and transmitted from input optical signals including unit input optical signals of multiple different wavelengths. can be done.
【0013】上記の制御を一般化して、制御光信号に含
まれる単位制御光信号と1対多、多対1、多対多に対応
した単位入力光信号を選択することによって、光信号処
理の自由度を増加させることができる。この場合、固定
光波長フィルタ素子としては、誘電体多層膜によるフィ
ルタ、導波路型のフィルタ、回折格子を用いた空間型フ
ィルタ等を用いることができ、光透過制御器としては、
例えば、多重量子井戸構造を用いた光・光スイッチを採
用することができる。[0013] By generalizing the above control and selecting unit input optical signals corresponding to the unit control optical signal included in the control optical signal in a one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many manner, optical signal processing can be performed. The degree of freedom can be increased. In this case, as the fixed optical wavelength filter element, a dielectric multilayer filter, a waveguide filter, a spatial filter using a diffraction grating, etc. can be used, and as the light transmission controller,
For example, an optical/optical switch using a multiple quantum well structure can be employed.
【0014】(第2実施例)第1実施例においては、単
位制御光信号の波長λa 、λb 、λc 、λd と
、単位入力光信号の波長を分波する入力光信号用光波長
フィルタの個別光波長フィルタ素子の基準波長λ1 、
λ2 、λ3 、λ4 の関係について限定を付してい
なかったが、単位入力光信号の波長と、単位制御光信号
の波長を、入力光信号用個別光波長フィルタ素子の通過
帯域幅以内の誤差で基準波長λ1 、λ2 、λ3 、
λ4 のうちの一つに一致させたものを用いることも考
えられる。このように波長を、λa =λ1 、λb
=λ2 、λc =λ3 、λd =λ4 の関係をも
つように選択すると、単位制御光信号と単位入力光信号
の相対的波長関係を一定に保つことが容易になり、安定
に動作する光通信もしくは光信号処理システムが構築で
きる。(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the wavelengths λa, λb, λc, λd of the unit control optical signals and the individual optical wavelength filters for input optical signals that separate the wavelengths of the unit input optical signals are used. Reference wavelength λ1 of the optical wavelength filter element,
Although no limitation was attached to the relationship between λ2, λ3, and λ4, it is possible to set the wavelength of the unit input optical signal and the wavelength of the unit control optical signal within an error within the passband width of the individual optical wavelength filter element for the input optical signal. Reference wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3,
It is also conceivable to use one that matches one of λ4. In this way, the wavelength is λa = λ1, λb
= λ2, λc = λ3, λd = λ4, it is easy to keep the relative wavelength relationship between the unit control optical signal and the unit input optical signal constant, and optical communication or optical communication that operates stably can be achieved. An optical signal processing system can be constructed.
【0015】(第3実施例)図2は本発明の光波長フィ
ルタ装置の第3実施例の構成図であり、第1実施例の光
透過制御器の他の構成を示している。この図において、
21は受光器、22は電気回路、23はレーザ増幅器を
示している。本実施例は、光透過制御器による単位入力
光信号の選択的透過制御を電気的に行うものである。制
御光信号用フィルタ素子を透過した単位制御光信号を受
光器21によって電気信号に変換し、この電気信号を必
要に応じて電気回路22によって増幅し、レーザ光増幅
器23を制御するようにしている。(Third Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the optical wavelength filter device of the present invention, showing another configuration of the light transmission controller of the first embodiment. In this diagram,
21 is a light receiver, 22 is an electric circuit, and 23 is a laser amplifier. In this embodiment, selective transmission control of a unit input optical signal is performed electrically by a light transmission controller. The unit control light signal transmitted through the control light signal filter element is converted into an electric signal by a light receiver 21, and this electric signal is amplified by an electric circuit 22 as necessary to control a laser light amplifier 23. .
【0016】したがって、単位制御光信号があるときは
、そのレーザ増幅器23に入力される単位入力光信号を
増幅して透過させ、単位制御光信号がないときは、入力
される単位入力光信号は吸収されて透過されない。よっ
て、この回路は光透過制御器として機能する。本実施例
において、レーザ増幅器の他に、フランツケルディッシ
ュ効果を用いた電界吸収型光変調器、量子閉じ込めシュ
タルク効果を用いた多重量子井戸構造光変調器等を用い
ることもできる。Therefore, when there is a unit control optical signal, the unit input optical signal input to the laser amplifier 23 is amplified and transmitted, and when there is no unit control optical signal, the unit input optical signal input is Absorbed and not transmitted. This circuit thus functions as a light transmission controller. In this embodiment, in addition to the laser amplifier, an electro-absorption optical modulator using the Franz Keldysh effect, a multi-quantum well structure optical modulator using the quantum-confined Stark effect, etc. can also be used.
【0017】(第4実施例)図3は、本発明の光波長フ
ィルタ装置の第4実施例の構成図であり、個別波長フィ
ルタと透過制御器を合わせた機能を行う。この図におい
て、31は第1の光路切換器、32は個別光波長フィル
タ素子、33は第2の光路切換器、34は個別光波長フ
ィルタ素子制御器である。本実施例においては、入力光
信号が第1の光路切り換え器31の入力端Aに入力され
、これと基準波長のいずれかからなる単位制御光信号が
他の入力端Bに入力され、この第1の光路切換器31を
切り換えることによって、これらの光信号のうちのいず
れかが、個別光波長フィルタ素子32に入力し、この個
別光波長フィルタ素子32を透過した光信号は第2の光
路切換器33によって出力導波路に接続される出力端C
と、光信号を電気的信号に変換して個別光波長フィルタ
素子の透過、非透過を電気的に制御する個別光波長フィ
ルタ素子制御器34に接続される出力端Dに切り換えら
れるようになっており、個別フィルタ素子制御器34か
らの電気信号は個別光波長フィルタ素子の透過制御端E
に接続されている。(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the optical wavelength filter device of the present invention, which functions as a combination of an individual wavelength filter and a transmission controller. In this figure, 31 is a first optical path switch, 32 is an individual optical wavelength filter element, 33 is a second optical path switch, and 34 is an individual optical wavelength filter element controller. In this embodiment, an input optical signal is input to the input end A of the first optical path switch 31, and a unit control optical signal consisting of this and either one of the reference wavelengths is input to the other input end B. By switching the first optical path switch 31, one of these optical signals is input to the individual optical wavelength filter element 32, and the optical signal transmitted through this individual optical wavelength filter element 32 is switched to the second optical path switch. an output end C connected to the output waveguide by a device 33;
Then, it can be switched to an output end D connected to an individual optical wavelength filter element controller 34 that converts the optical signal into an electrical signal and electrically controls transmission/non-transmission of the individual optical wavelength filter element. The electric signal from the individual filter element controller 34 is transmitted to the transmission control terminal E of the individual optical wavelength filter element.
It is connected to the.
【0018】本実施例の動作を説明する。まず、第1の
光路切換器31をB側に、第2の光路切換器33をD側
に切り換えて、単位制御光信号を個別光波長フィルタ素
子32に通して、個別光波長フィルタ素子制御器34に
導き、さらに、この光信号を変換した電気信号を信号処
理し個別光波長フィルタ素子32の透過制御端Eに導く
ようにする。この状態で、単位制御光信号が最も多く透
過するように個別光波長フィルタ素子制御器34によっ
て個別光波長フィルタ素子32の動作条件を調整する。
なお、この調整は電気回路によって自動的に行わせるこ
とができる。The operation of this embodiment will be explained. First, the first optical path switch 31 is switched to the B side, the second optical path switch 33 is switched to the D side, the unit control optical signal is passed through the individual optical wavelength filter element 32, and the unit control optical signal is passed through the individual optical wavelength filter element controller. Further, the electrical signal obtained by converting this optical signal is subjected to signal processing and guided to the transmission control end E of the individual optical wavelength filter element 32. In this state, the operating conditions of the individual optical wavelength filter elements 32 are adjusted by the individual optical wavelength filter element controller 34 so that the maximum number of unit control optical signals are transmitted. Note that this adjustment can be automatically performed by an electric circuit.
【0019】ついで、上記の動作条件を保った状態で、
第1の光路切換器31と第2の光路切換器33をそれぞ
れ切り換えることによって、入力光信号を個別光波長フ
ィルタ素子に入力し、本来の個別フィルタ素子として機
能させる。前記のように、単位制御光信号は、基準波長
の一つであり、入力光信号のうちこの基準波長に透過帯
域幅以内で一致した単位入力光信号が自動的に個別フィ
ルタ素子の最適透過帯域に入ってくることになる。すな
わち、単位制御光近傍の単位入力光信号のみが透過する
ようになる。そのため、個別光波長フィルタ素子が本来
的に経時変化特性を有していたとしても、上記の透過帯
域の制御を適宜の時間間隔をおいて繰り返すことによっ
て正確な透過特性を維持することができる。なお、なに
も単位制御光信号がない場合には、能動型フィルタの場
合バイアスを下げれば非透過となるので、そのように制
御すればよい。Next, while maintaining the above operating conditions,
By switching the first optical path switch 31 and the second optical path switch 33, the input optical signal is input to the individual optical wavelength filter element, and the element functions as the original individual filter element. As mentioned above, the unit control optical signal is one of the reference wavelengths, and the unit input optical signal that matches this reference wavelength within the transmission bandwidth of the input optical signal is automatically set to the optimum transmission band of the individual filter element. It will come in. That is, only the unit input optical signal near the unit control light is transmitted. Therefore, even if the individual optical wavelength filter elements inherently have characteristics that change over time, accurate transmission characteristics can be maintained by repeating the above control of the transmission band at appropriate time intervals. Note that if there is no unit control optical signal, in the case of an active filter, if the bias is lowered, the filter becomes non-transmissive, so it is sufficient to control it in this manner.
【0020】図4(A)、(B)は、本発明の第4実施
例において使用できる個別光波長フィルタ素子の説明図
である。この図において、41は導波路、42は回折格
子である。図4(A)は、光波長フィルタ素子の一構成
例を示している。この素子は、半導体活性層および導波
層からなる導波路41に沿って回折格子42を有する分
布帰還型レーザ(DFB)構造を有しており、導波路に
平行に入力光信号を入力し、他端から透過増幅光信号を
出力するようになっている。そして、導波路を形成する
活性層は、この装置がDFBレーザとして発振するしき
い値よりやや低くバイアスされている。FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of individual optical wavelength filter elements that can be used in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, 41 is a waveguide and 42 is a diffraction grating. FIG. 4(A) shows an example of the configuration of an optical wavelength filter element. This device has a distributed feedback laser (DFB) structure having a diffraction grating 42 along a waveguide 41 consisting of a semiconductor active layer and a waveguide layer, and inputs an input optical signal parallel to the waveguide. A transmission amplified optical signal is output from the other end. The active layer forming the waveguide is biased slightly below the threshold at which the device oscillates as a DFB laser.
【0021】図4(B)は、上記の光波長フィルタ素子
のバイアス電圧と透過波長帯域の関係を示している。こ
の図に示されているように、この種の光波長フィルタ素
子の透過波長帯域は非常に狭帯域(〜0.5Å)であっ
て、波長選択性においては優れている。しかし、これを
光通信システム等で使用する場合は、バイアス電圧によ
ってその透過帯域が変動するから、入力光信号の波長に
透過帯域を一致させるためには、素子の温度や動作電圧
等を精密に設定する必要がある。ところが、上記の動作
電流や温度を一定に制御しても、経時変化などにより素
子自体の特性が変化した場合は、透過帯域の中心波長が
ずれることがある。その場合は、所望の波長の入力信号
を最大の透過度で透過させることができなくなり、また
、隣接する波長の入力光信号との間でクロストークの増
大を招くことになる。本実施例によると、バイアス電圧
によって透過帯域が変動することを利用して、前記のよ
うに、単位制御光信号を用いて透過帯域の調整を適宜行
うことによって透過帯域の経時変化を補正し、正確な透
過特性を維持することができる。FIG. 4B shows the relationship between the bias voltage and the transmission wavelength band of the above optical wavelength filter element. As shown in this figure, the transmission wavelength band of this type of optical wavelength filter element is a very narrow band (~0.5 Å), and the wavelength selectivity is excellent. However, when using this in an optical communication system, etc., the transmission band changes depending on the bias voltage, so in order to match the transmission band to the wavelength of the input optical signal, it is necessary to precisely adjust the temperature and operating voltage of the element. Must be set. However, even if the operating current and temperature are controlled to be constant, the center wavelength of the transmission band may shift if the characteristics of the element itself change due to changes over time or the like. In that case, it becomes impossible to transmit an input signal of a desired wavelength with maximum transmittance, and further, crosstalk between input optical signals of adjacent wavelengths increases. According to this embodiment, by taking advantage of the fact that the transmission band changes depending on the bias voltage, as described above, the change in the transmission band over time is corrected by appropriately adjusting the transmission band using the unit control optical signal, Accurate transmission characteristics can be maintained.
【0022】また、分布帰還型レーザ型の光波長フィル
タ素子は、この光波長フィルタ素子が自らDFBレーザ
として発振して発光しないように動作電流を発振しきい
値状態近くでやや低く設定する必要があるが、参照光信
号を50msec程度でオン、オフの強度変調を行い、
参照光信号がないときに発振しきい値直下に電気的動作
条件を設定するための制御を行い、参照光信号があると
きに透過帯域の中心波長の制御を行うことができる。そ
のため、透過帯域の制御と発振しきい値の制御を迅速か
つ容易に行うことができる。[0022] Furthermore, in a distributed feedback laser type optical wavelength filter element, the operating current must be set slightly low near the oscillation threshold state so that the optical wavelength filter element does not oscillate itself as a DFB laser and emit light. However, the reference optical signal is intensity-modulated by turning it on and off in about 50 msec,
When there is no reference optical signal, it is possible to perform control to set the electrical operating conditions just below the oscillation threshold, and when there is a reference optical signal, it is possible to control the center wavelength of the transmission band. Therefore, the transmission band and the oscillation threshold can be controlled quickly and easily.
【0023】本実施例において、使用される具体的な構
成を挙げると、透過制御器として位相シフト調整型DF
B半導体レーザ型フィルタ素子を用いることができる。
そして、光路切換器としては、InP系方向性結合器型
光スイッチもしくはキャリア注入型全反射光スイッチを
用い、その制御端子に電圧を印加し、または電流を流す
ことによって、単位入力光信号を2つの入力端A、Bと
2つの出力端C、Dの間で、交差状もしくは平行状に切
り換えることができる。また、個別光波長フィルタ素子
を透過した光信号を電気信号に変換して制御信号とする
素子としてはPIN受光器を用いることができる。そし
てまた、光信号は光ファイバ等の光導波路によって結合
され、電気信号に変換された後は電気配線によって結合
される。In this embodiment, the specific configuration used is a phase shift adjustable DF as a transmission controller.
A B semiconductor laser type filter element can be used. As the optical path switch, an InP-based directional coupler type optical switch or a carrier injection type total reflection optical switch is used, and by applying a voltage or flowing a current to its control terminal, a unit input optical signal can be changed into two. It is possible to switch between the two inputs A, B and the two outputs C, D in a crosswise or parallel manner. Furthermore, a PIN photoreceiver can be used as the element that converts the optical signal transmitted through the individual optical wavelength filter element into an electrical signal and uses it as a control signal. Furthermore, the optical signals are coupled through an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber, and after being converted into an electrical signal, are coupled via electrical wiring.
【0024】[0024]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明によると、
制御光信号に含まれる単位制御光信号を変更するだけで
、入力光信号に含まれる任意の単数または複数の単位入
力信号を選択して透過させることができるから、光通信
回線の交換、光信号処理等のシステムにおいて、光信号
の選択が容易となり、おのおのの波長帯域の信号間の入
替え、分岐等の処理を簡単に行なえるようになるので、
信号処理容量を実質的に拡大することができる。[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
By simply changing the unit control optical signal included in the control optical signal, any single or multiple unit input signals included in the input optical signal can be selected and transmitted, making it easy to replace optical communication lines and optical signals. In processing systems, it becomes easier to select optical signals, and it becomes easier to perform processing such as switching and branching between signals in each wavelength band.
Signal processing capacity can be substantially expanded.
【0025】また、単位入力光信号とほぼ同じ波長の参
照光信号を用いて、個別光波長フィルタ素子制御器が適
正な透過帯域を与えるように動作条件を調整した後に、
入力光信号を個別光波長フィルタ素子に入力するため、
個別光波長フィルタ素子が本来的にもつ経時変化を補正
して正確な透過特性を維持することができる。したがっ
て、かかる波長多重光信号処理技術分野においてその質
的向上に寄与するところが大きい。[0025] Furthermore, after adjusting the operating conditions so that the individual optical wavelength filter element controller provides an appropriate transmission band using a reference optical signal having approximately the same wavelength as the unit input optical signal,
In order to input the input optical signal to the individual optical wavelength filter element,
Accurate transmission characteristics can be maintained by correcting changes over time that the individual optical wavelength filter elements inherently have. Therefore, the present invention greatly contributes to qualitative improvement in the field of wavelength multiplexed optical signal processing technology.
【図1】本発明の光波長フィルタ装置の第1実施例の構
成図である。FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of an optical wavelength filter device of the present invention.
【図2】本発明の光波長フィルタ装置の第3実施例の構
成図である。FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a third embodiment of the optical wavelength filter device of the present invention.
【図3】本発明の光波長フィルタ装置の第4実施例の構
成図である。FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment of the optical wavelength filter device of the present invention.
【図4】本発明の第4実施例において使用できる個別光
波長フィルタ素子の説明図で、(A)は、可変波長光フ
ィルタ素子の構成、(B)はバイアス電圧と透過波長帯
域の関係を示している。FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an individual optical wavelength filter element that can be used in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) shows the configuration of the variable wavelength optical filter element, and (B) shows the relationship between the bias voltage and the transmission wavelength band. It shows.
【図5】波長多重光通信等の技術分野で望まれる光波長
フィルタ装置の一例の説明図である。FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an optical wavelength filter device desired in technical fields such as wavelength division multiplexing optical communications.
1〜4 制御光信号用個別波長フィルタ素子5〜8
入力光信号用個別波長フィルタ素子FC 制御光
信号用光波長フィルタFS 入力光信号用光波長フ
ィルタS1 〜S4 光透過制御器
ΛC 制御光信号
ΛS 入力光信号
ΛT 透過光信号1-4 Individual wavelength filter elements for control optical signals 5-8
Individual wavelength filter element FC for input optical signal Optical wavelength filter FS for control optical signal Optical wavelength filter S1 to S4 for input optical signal Optical transmission controller ΛC Control optical signal ΛS Input optical signal ΛT Transmitted optical signal
Claims (4)
号を含む制御光信号を固定光波長フィルタ素子によって
各単位制御光信号ごとに分波する手段と、複数の異なる
波長の単位入力光信号を含む入力光信号を、それぞれ異
なる基準波長を中心とする波長を透過させる個別光波長
フィルタ素子によって各単位入力光信号ごとに分波する
手段と、分波された各単位入力光信号が入力され、特定
の単位制御光信号によって単位入力光信号の透過、非透
過を制御する手段と、透過した複数の単位入力光信号を
合波する手段とからなり、複数の異なる波長の単位入力
光信号を含む入力光信号を一つ以上の異なる波長の単位
制御光信号を含む制御光信号によって波長選択して透過
させることを特徴とする光波長フィルタ装置。1. Means for demultiplexing a control optical signal including one or more unit control optical signals of different wavelengths into each unit control optical signal by a fixed optical wavelength filter element, and a plurality of unit input optical signals of different wavelengths. means for demultiplexing input optical signals containing each unit input optical signal by individual optical wavelength filter elements that transmit wavelengths centered around different reference wavelengths; , a means for controlling transmission or non-transmission of a unit input optical signal by a specific unit control optical signal, and a means for multiplexing a plurality of transmitted unit input optical signals. What is claimed is: 1. An optical wavelength filter device that selects the wavelength of an input optical signal including a control optical signal including a unit control optical signal having one or more different wavelengths, and transmits the input optical signal.
それぞれの波長を、個別光フィルタ素子の透過帯域幅以
内の誤差で基準波長のうちの一つに一致させたものとす
ることを特徴とする請求項1記載の光波長フィルタ装置
。[Claim 2] The wavelength of each of the unit input optical signals having a plurality of different wavelengths is made to match one of the reference wavelengths with an error within the transmission bandwidth of the individual optical filter element. The optical wavelength filter device according to claim 1.
帯域幅以内の誤差でその透過帯域の中心をなす基準波長
に一致させた波長の異なる単位入力光信号を一つ以上含
む入力光信号と、この基準波長のいずれかに波長の一致
した単位制御光信号を交互に切り換えて個別光波長フィ
ルタ素子に入力する手段と、個別光波長フィルタ素子を
透過した光信号を、出力側と個別光波長フィルタ素子制
御器側に交互に切り換える手段と、透過した単位制御光
信号を変換した電気信号を個別光波長フィルタ素子制御
器を介して個別光波長フィルタ素子に入力する手段とか
らなり、単位制御光信号が個別光波長フィルタ素子に入
力し、個別光波長フィルタ素子制御器側に透過するよう
に両切り換え手段を設定し、個別光波長フィルタ素子を
透過した単位制御光信号を受光し変換した電気信号によ
り個別光波長フィルタ素子の動作条件を制御して、個別
光波長フィルタ素子がその波長に対して最適の透過波長
特性を得るようにし、個別光波長フィルタ素子の動作条
件をそのままに保った状態で、入力光信号が個別光波長
フィルタ素子に入力し、出力側に透過するように両切り
換え手段を設定して入力光信号の波長選択動作を行うこ
とを特徴とする光波長フィルタ装置。3. An input optical signal including one or more unit input optical signals having different wavelengths whose wavelengths are matched to a reference wavelength forming the center of the transmission band with an error within the transmission band width of the individual optical wavelength filter element; Means for alternately switching a unit control optical signal whose wavelength matches one of the reference wavelengths and inputting it to the individual optical wavelength filter element, and a means for inputting the optical signal transmitted through the individual optical wavelength filter element to the output side and the individual optical wavelength filter. It consists of a means for alternately switching to the element controller side, and a means for inputting an electrical signal obtained by converting the transmitted unit control optical signal to the individual optical wavelength filter element via the individual optical wavelength filter element controller. Both switching means are set so that the signal is input to the individual optical wavelength filter element and transmitted to the individual optical wavelength filter element controller side, and the unit control optical signal transmitted through the individual optical wavelength filter element is received and converted by the electrical signal. The operating conditions of the individual optical wavelength filter elements are controlled so that the individual optical wavelength filter elements obtain optimal transmission wavelength characteristics for the wavelength, and while the operating conditions of the individual optical wavelength filter elements are maintained as they are, An optical wavelength filter device characterized in that an input optical signal is input to an individual optical wavelength filter element and both switching means are set so that the input optical signal is transmitted to the output side to perform a wavelength selection operation of the input optical signal.
変調された光を用いることを特徴とする請求項3記載の
光波長フィルタ装置。4. The optical wavelength filter device according to claim 3, wherein light whose intensity is modulated on and off is used as the reference optical signal.
Priority Applications (11)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP3012373A JP2579559B2 (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1991-01-10 | Optical wavelength filter device |
CA002059074A CA2059074C (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1992-01-09 | Optical processing device operating in a wavelength-synchronized mode and an optical circuit exchanger that uses such an optical processing device |
CA002284243A CA2284243C (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1992-01-09 | Optical processing device operating in a wavelength-synchronized mode and an optical circuit exchanger that uses such an optical processing device |
EP19920400071 EP0494831A3 (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1992-01-10 | Optical processing device with wavelength stabilization and optical switch using such a device |
DE69233276T DE69233276T2 (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1992-01-10 | Optical filter device operated in a wavelength synchronization mode |
EP99200118A EP0918447B1 (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1992-01-10 | Optical filter device operating in a wavelength-synchronised mode |
DE69233488T DE69233488T2 (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1992-01-10 | Optical coupling matrix for wavelength multiplexed signals |
EP99200114A EP0918446A3 (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1992-01-10 | Optical processing device with wavelength stabilisation and an optical switch using such a device |
EP99200108A EP0923264B1 (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1992-01-10 | Optical matrix switch for wavelength-multiplexed signals |
US08/293,598 US5715075A (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1994-08-22 | Optical processing device operating in a wavelength-synchronized mode and an optical circuit exchanger that uses such an optical processing device |
US08/485,116 US5657144A (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1995-06-07 | Optical processing device operating in a wavelength-synchronized mode and an optical circuit exchanger that uses such an optical processing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP3012373A JP2579559B2 (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1991-01-10 | Optical wavelength filter device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH04235533A true JPH04235533A (en) | 1992-08-24 |
JP2579559B2 JP2579559B2 (en) | 1997-02-05 |
Family
ID=11803468
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP3012373A Expired - Fee Related JP2579559B2 (en) | 1991-01-10 | 1991-01-10 | Optical wavelength filter device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JP2579559B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1968227A2 (en) | 2007-03-05 | 2008-09-10 | Nec Corporation | Optical communication apparatus, optical communication system, and optical communication method |
JP2014170903A (en) * | 2013-03-05 | 2014-09-18 | Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> | Wavelength variable distribution bragg reflector (dbr) type semiconductor optical device incorporating wavelength stabilization device |
-
1991
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1968227A2 (en) | 2007-03-05 | 2008-09-10 | Nec Corporation | Optical communication apparatus, optical communication system, and optical communication method |
JP2008219518A (en) * | 2007-03-05 | 2008-09-18 | Nec Corp | Optical communication device, system and optical communication control method |
JP2014170903A (en) * | 2013-03-05 | 2014-09-18 | Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> | Wavelength variable distribution bragg reflector (dbr) type semiconductor optical device incorporating wavelength stabilization device |
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JP2579559B2 (en) | 1997-02-05 |
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