LCOS-Based Wavelength Blocker Array With Channel-by-Channel Variable Center Wavelength and Bandwidth

Abstract

We developed a new class of compact wavelength blocker (WB) array based on liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS), which enables per-channel control of not only the optical transmission power level but also channel center wavelength and channel bandwidth independently. We demonstrate an integrated device with WB array having 12 input/output ports for 50-GHz-spaced International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) channels over the entire C-band. The center wavelength and bandwidth can be adjusted independently with a minimum setting resolution of 3 and 6 GHz, respectively.