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November 15, 2002
In optical telecommunications networks using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), individual wavelengths carrying information traffic need to be dropped or added at every node. Much flexibility to the DWDM system may be provided by Santec's Lambda-Blocker currently being announced (Lambda-Blocker). Use of the Lambda-Blocker makes the system truly "wavelength reconfigurable". Such Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexing (ROADM) feature of this device is particularly attractive for expanding the network structure, such as adding point-to-point, ring or mesh networks to the existing architecture without much infrastructure development cost.
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Santec,
a leading design and manufacturer of fiber-optic components, sub-systems
and optical instruments announced Lambda-Blocker as a new addition
to its DWDM Subsystems portfolio.The fundamental function of the
Lambda-Blocker is to attenuate or let through any chosen wavelength
in a fiber carrying DWDM optical traffic. This functionality is
achieved by first demultiplexing the incoming signal into individual
channels with a battery of thin-film filters, then controlling the
power on each of these wavelength paths with MEMS optical variable
attenuators, before multiplexing them together with another battery
of thin-film filters. An array of integrated taps with photodiode
read-out is provided on each channel for power measurement and active
feedback. The dropped wavelengths may be switched off within Lambda-Blocker
so that the same wavelength can be added to the fiber back afterwards
with another coupler down-st! ream. 
