Multiple-order adaptive dispersion compensation using polynomially-chirped grating devices

Devices such as the planar arrayed-waveguide grating or the distributed Bragg 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, offering wideband reduction of both basic and higher-order departures from constant group delay. However, up to the present time, the existence of a systematic approach to higher-order dispersion compensation has not been recognised. Additionally, we have identified a comprehensive isomorphism between AWG and DBR devices that allows the design characteristics of the former transverse 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 dispersion compensation (DC), and then 3rd- and 4th-order dispersion compensators with 100 GHz bandwidth. We then review optimisation strategies for DC, 3 dB bandwidth, and passband dispersion ripple, as determined by device chirp, apodisation, coupling strength and polyphase transfer function superposition. We conclude with a preliminary discussion of grating parametric sensitivity as evidenced by Monte Carlo analysis.