Eight‐tap transversal filter using a multiwavelength optical source and a dispersive fiber

Abstract

We propose and experimentally demonstrate an eight‐tap transversal filter using a multiwavelength optical source and a dispersive fiber. The multiple wavelengths corresponding to taps are generated by combining broadband optical sources with the arrayed waveguide gratings providing equal wavelength spacing. This method has the advantage of providing a constant time delay between taps together with a dispersive medium (i.e., fiber). The free spectral range (FSR) of the filter is changed by controlling the fiber length. The experimental results showed an FSR of 7.03 GHz and a main to secondary sidelobe ratio of 12.1 dB with 0.8‐nm wavelength spacing, and 3.46 GHz and 13.4 dB with 1.6‐nm wavelength spacing, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:942–945, 2015