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Wavelength standards for optical communications

Published

Author(s)

Sarah L. Gilbert, William C. Swann, Tasshi Dennis

Abstract

We review wavelength accuracy and calibration issues for wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical fiber communication and describe our work on wavelength calibration references. We have developed wavelength references for National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) internal calibration and transfer standards to help industry calibrate their instrumentation. The transfer standards are NIST Standard Reference Materials that utilize the absorption lines of acetylene and hydrogen cyanide in the 1500 nm region. Two higher accuracy references for NIST internal use are based on laser stabilization to absorption lines of rubidium (at 1560 nm) and methane (at 1314 nm). We are developing calibration references for the WDM L-band (-1565-1625 nm) and are investigating references for the 1300-1400 nm region.
Proceedings Title
Proc. Intl. Soc. for Optical Engineering (SPIE), Laser Frequency Stabilization, Standards, Measurements, and Applications
Volume
4269
Conference Dates
January 25-26, 2001
Conference Location
San Jose, CA

Citation

Gilbert, S. , Swann, W. and Dennis, T. (2001), Wavelength standards for optical communications, Proc. Intl. Soc. for Optical Engineering (SPIE), Laser Frequency Stabilization, Standards, Measurements, and Applications, San Jose, CA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=24202 (Accessed April 18, 2024)
Created January 1, 2001, Updated February 19, 2017