Theoretical investigation of a meander coupler as fast tunable, narrowband multiplexer/demultiplexer for optical ATM-system application

The design of a fast tuning, narrowband multiplexer/demultiplexer based on the meander coupler for InGaAsP/InP is discussed. The possibility of meeting the demands of an optical ATM system is shown. For a 10 mm long device channel separation of 0.5 nm and a tuning range of about 10 channels are possible using electro optical effects and bulk material only. Further enhancements with QW layers are possible.