The impact of phase errors on arrayed waveguide gratings

The impact of phase errors on arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) due to waveguide length deviation in AWGs has been analyzed theoretically. A statistical model to estimate the influence of phase errors in silica-based arrayed waveguide multiplexers was developed, using Fourier optics and scalar diffraction theory. In addition, the insertion loss and crosstalk of AWGs caused by phase errors were analyzed. To maintain the adjacent crosstalk at less than -25 dB, a maximum standard deviation /spl sigma//sub max/ of phase errors to the design of AWGs is obtained.