A new approach to an optical attenuator for a time compression multiplex system using a laser diode as both transmitter and receiver

A novel method of constructing an optical attenuator for a time compression multiplex system with a laser transceiver is proposed and investigated. The main purpose is to achieve wide dynamic range in a receiver. The transceiver consists of a laser diode backed by a photodiode. At average power levels, the laser diode is the main photodetector. At higher than average levels, the laser diode acts as an optical attenuator for the photodiode. The laser diode is called the laser attenuator (LATT). Basic properties of the proposed LATT, such as wavelength and polarization dependence, are clarified. The LATT is confirmed to have an optical dynamic range of over 37 dB.<
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