Passive components for WDM networks

Summary form only given. Discusses the passive components found in a typical WDM system. For each one, device requirements and technology options are examined. While passive devices may be simple in function, there are many performance issues such as insertion loss, return loss, polarization dependent loss, polarization mode dispersion and chromatic dispersion. Also, all of these characteristics have temperature and wavelength dependencies. For simple components, fabrication techniques include fused fiber and dichroic filter based devices. For demultiplexers, fiber Bragg gratings and waveguide routers must also be considered. In addition, we will note current standards for measurements and reliability.