Optical Channel Monitor

The new Optical Channel Monitor (OCM) is a multi-channel dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) integrated optical component designed for use in systems with up to 40 channels. The OCM is the first example of an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) based product with added functionality - optical detection. It uses a series of integrated photodetectors that sample each channel simultaneously. This allows measurement of power to be made in real time, enabling channels in long-haul point-to-point or metro ring to be balanced by banks of electronic variable optical attenuators (EVOA). Since the OCM can monitor all DWDM channels simultaneously it can be used as an effective optical protection device, as any drop in signal strength can be detected, or simply as a monitor to allow network operators to keep track of which channels are in operation. The output of the OCM is in the form of electrical signals that can be fed back into the system for control purposes.

The company's ASOC uses well-understood silicon manufacturing processes to produce integrated optical components. Their solid-state nature confers high reliability, whilst the manufacturing process lends itself to automation and volume production. ASOC also allows the integration of several optical functions on a single device as system architectures progress and the need for miniaturization increases.

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