Compact wide-band polymer wavelength-division multiplexers

Wide-band wavelength-division multiplexers (WDMs) have been developed for applications in short-haul and satellite communications. Device designs based on Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) and arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) have been fabricated using AlliedSignal Inc. low-loss acrylate polymer materials. Low channel-counts and channel separations of 5-30 nm result in compact devices with relaxed processing tolerances, thus minimizing the cost and increasing the yields of the devices. Operating at around 1550 nm, the multiplexers offer crosstalk of 20-25 dB, on-chip loss of <10 dB, thermal stability within several degrees and low polarization sensitivity.