Optical wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing circuit, optical module using optical wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing circuit, and communication system

Abstract

When a conventional synchronized AWG is employed to extend a transmission passband, an increase in loss near the optical center frequency can not be avoided. Because of passband width limit, a problem has existed in that the synchronized AWG could not be applied for a large, complicated communication system wherein a signal light passes a number of points. Therefore, an optical wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing circuit of the present invention is a synchronized AWG, which includes an optical splitter arranged in an interference circuit that is connected on the side of one slab waveguide. The splitting ratio of the optical splitter varies, depending on the optical frequency, and the value becomes minimum near the optical center frequency of the synchronized AWG. The optical splitter is operated so that the splitting ratio is comparatively great at optical frequencies distant from the optical center frequency.