Transfer function matrix measurement of AWG multi/demulti-plexers

Wavelength Division Multiplex (WDM) photonic networks are expected as key f or global communication infrastructure. The accurate measurement methods fo r AWG-MUX/DMUX are desirable for WDM network design. We measured a transfer function matrix of an AWG-MUX to find that polarization mode dispersion (P MD) and polarization dependent loss (PDL) shows the bandpass characteristic s, which may limit the maximum size and the bit rate of the system. These b andpass characteristics of PMD and PDL are reproduced by a simple AWG-MUX m odel: The phase constant difference of 0.5% between orthogonal modes in arr ayed waveguides is sufficient to obtain the measured passband characteristi cs of PMD and PDL. We find phase distribution difference between two orthog onal modes in the arrayed waveguide grating gives arise to complex PMD.