Integrated-optic encoder/decoder for time-spreading/wavelength-hopping optical CDMA

We demonstrate an integrated-optic encoder/decoder for time-spreading/wavelength-hopping optical code division multiple access. It is composed of a wavelength multi/demultiplexer and variable delay lines fabricated by using silica-based planar lightwave circuit technology. We evaluated the device characteristics, including those of the key components and the encoding/decoding operation, and confirmed its flexible code assignment ability and good auto/cross correlations. We then tested the performance of the encoder/decoder by undertaking bit error rate measurements with 10-Gb/s pseudorandom binary sequence signals and confirmed its applicability to optical layer multicast routing and its ability to compensate for bit skew caused by fiber chromatic dispersion.