Multiple-order adaptive dispersion compensation using polynomially-chirpedgrating devices

Devices such as the planar arrayed-waveguide grating or the distributed Bra gg reflector (AWG and DBR, respectively) are assuming increasing importance in the areas of fibre point-to-point communication and networking. In the particular context of dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM), these devices play a well-established role as wavelength-selective elements. More recently, chirped variants have found use as dispersion compensators, offe ring wideband reduction of both basic and higher-order departures from cons tant group delay. However, up to the present time, the existence of a syste matic approach to higher-order dispersion compensation has not been recogni sed. Additionally, we have identified a comprehensive isomorphism between A WG and DBR devices that allows the design characteristics of the former tra nsverse geometry to be mapped on to the latter longitudinal structure. Here , we present a systematic study of these important passive optical grating- based devices which considers, firstly, analytic solutions for 2nd-order di spersion compensation (DC), and then 3rd- and 4th-order dispersion compensa tors with 100 GHz bandwidth. We then review optimisation strategies for DC, 3 dB bandwidth, and passband dispersion ripple, as determined by device ch irp, apodisation, coupling strength and polyphase transfer function superpo sition. We conclude with a preliminary discussion of grating parametric sen sitivity as evidenced by Monte Carlo analysis.