What is DWDM AWG

What is DWDM AWG?

AWG (Arrayed Waveguide Grating) is the preferred technology in dense wavelength division multiplexing system (DWDM). A grating formed by a group of arrayed waveguides with equal length differences has the ability to split waves. The principle is: after the multiplexed signal light with multiple wavelengths is output through the central input channel waveguide, it diffracts in the input slab waveguide, reaches the input concave grating for power distribution, and is coupled into the arrayed waveguide area. Since the end face of the array waveguide is located on the circumference of the grating circle, the diffracted light reaches the end face of the array waveguide with the same phase. After being transmitted through the arrayed waveguide, since the adjacent arrayed waveguides maintain the same length difference ΔL, the output light of a certain wavelength of the adjacent arrayed waveguide on the output concave grating has the same phase difference. For light of different wavelengths, the phase difference The difference is different, so the light of different wavelengths is diffracted in the output slab waveguide and focused to different output channel waveguide positions, and the wavelength allocation and demultiplexing function is completed after being output by the output channel waveguide. The reverse process of this process, that is, if the signal light is reversely input, the multiplexing function is completed, and the principle is the same.

We can simply understand AWG as the packaging and transportation technology in the current fast-growing express delivery industry. At the same posting location, when the courier collects different packages from each person, he will sort them and send them to the same direction. The parcels are grouped into one category, transported to the destination in a unified manner, and then distributed to the recipients. In the process of transportation, we may subdivide the size of the package to maximize the utilization of the transportation space. If there is more space, we can also receive new packages in the middle, which is a process of combining and dividing. , This is the basic function of AWG, just like the courier company can artificially control which packages are distributed and received in which direction and where.