Efficient technique for increasing the channel density in multiwavelength sampled fiber Bragg grating filters

We introduce a new class of high channel count multiwavelength comb filters based on sampled fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). Our approach exploits the spectral fractional Talbot effect in sampled chirped FBGs (S-CFBGs). For specific conditions between the grating chirp and sampling period, the channel spacing can be reduced compared to the value obtained using conventional sampling techniques. In this way, the channel density can be multiplied without needing to increase the sampling period. Moreover, despite the fact that the grating is chirped, operating under the spectral Talbot regime ensures that the resultant in-band group delay characteristics are similar to those of a sampled uniform period FBG.