Filter-shape dependence on attenuation mechanism in channelized dynamic spectral equalizers

Summary form only given. Today's optical networks require optical add-drop capability as well as broadcast-and-select topologies. Such capabilities are enabled with high-resolution, channelized dynamic spectral equalizers (DSE), which can attenuate each optical channel independently to an extinction exceeding 30 dB in a DWDM system. Several implementations of channelized DSE are based on a dispersive, free-space imaging configuration, projecting the light emerging from the input fiber via imaging lenses and a diffraction grating onto a pixelated device plane. The active pixelated device can be chosen from multiple technologies, however liquid crystal (LC) based modulators and micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) tilting micro-mirrors are the favored technologies.