Wavelength standards for optical communications

Published

January 1, 2001

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

Pub Type

Conferences

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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 October 8, 2025)