Dispersion compensator using a compact arrayed-waveguide grating with a dispersion-adjusting structure

Abstract

A dispersion compensator consisting of a compact arrowhead arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) with a dispersion-adjusting structure has been proposed. Dispersion parameters can be adjusted by filling lens-shaped deep trenches with refractive index-controlled resin. Dispersion compensators based on an 8ch, 12.5GHz-spacing AWG have been fabricated. The dispersion-adjusting structure consists of three double concave trenches located near the focal plane in a second slab waveguide. Dispersion compensators with total dispersions of 234ps/nm and 1103ps/nm were fabricated by using resins with refractive indices of 1.51 and 1.405, respectively.