Weight and Size Reduction by Integrating Avionic Optical Components

Recent developments in the study of condensing several electro-optical properties such as single frequency light generation, modulation, light monitoring, multiplexing (Mux) and optical mode shaping into one monolithic, InP based photonic integrated circuit (PIC), together with advances in silicon planar light-guide circuits (PLC) allow the design of light-weight, compact, rugged, lower cost optical transmitters and receivers. Depending upon the avionics' transmission capacity application, one compact set of a coarse wave division multiplex (CWDM) transmitter and receiver, each with a single mode fiber (SMF) connection can provide full duplex transmission to 100 Gbps. These 2 components can replace 20 or more package bodies, 20 sets of lens, 20 submounts, 10 isolators, 20 fiber connections and 20 fibers with the corresponding reduction in weight and size. This paper summarizes the advantages of monolithic PIC and hybrid PLC optical components for transmission capacities up to 100 Gbps at individual wavelength channel speeds up to 10 Gbps using CWDM.