Coherent Corp. has introduced a family of advanced, aberration-correcting, high-efficiency grisms and transmission gratings capable of encompassing the entire extended C+L band in a single optic. These enable construction of more cost-effective, efficient, and compact network components that support more communication channels, such as wavelength selective switches (WSS) and optical channel monitors.

Coherent achieves these goals through multilayer dielectric diffraction (MLD) gratings fabricated using the same mask projection photolithography processes employed in the semiconductor industry. The innovative MLD diffraction gratings enable the curvature and spacing of every individual grating line to be separately and precisely controlled. This results in optics that excel over competitive products in several important ways.

Expanded grating functionality past dispersion to include aberration correction and wavefront transformation; Exceptional efficiency up to 97%, providing reduced power consumption and heat dissipation; Grating design provides for higher dispersion, which permits tighter channel spacing and improved channel isolation. These same performance factors also combine to deliver broader wavelength coverage over the entire extended C+Lband. The manufacturing process excellence enables Coherent to provide this performance-enhancing product at an affordable value to customers.

The Coherent grism and grating platform is qualified for a broad range of materials and groove densities and can be readily customized to specific customer requirements.