Wavelength-interleaving bidirectional circulators

We report a wavelength-interleaving bidirectional circulator, in which the even and odd ITL. channels circulate in opposite handedness. Demonstrated t hree-port bidirectional isolation ranges from 45 dB for single-pass to 90 d B for dual-pass over the entire C-band with low loss, large flat-top bandwi dth, low PDL, and good temperature stability. This new device technology is an enabler for bidirectional optical networks and opens up a range of poss ibilities for bidirectional fiber devices: isolators, circulators, add-drop s, cross-connects, and uni- to bidirectional optical network interfaces.