The system of a variable lightwave functional apparatus comprising: an
optical amplifier for outputting wavelength multiplexed light containing
a plurality of pulses having a first wavelength interval; a polarization
branching/coupling device having a first port to a third port, for
branching output from said optical amplifier, which is entered from said
first port into the polarization branching/coupling device, to both said
second port and said third port; a coupler arranged at the second port of
said polarization branching/coupling device; and said variable lightwave
functional circuit, and arranged between said third port of said
polarization branching/coupling device and said coupler; wherein: said
wavelength multiplexed light containing said plural pulses having said
first wavelength interval is converted into wavelength multiplexed light
containing a plurality of pulses having a second wavelength interval in
response to lateral pressure applied to said polarization-maintaining
optical fiber, and said coupler outputs said converted wavelength
multiplexed light.