This invention provides a system that combines a wavelength multiplexer
with an FM discriminator for chirp reduction and wavelength locker in a
filter to produce a wavelength division multiplexed signal with reduced
chirp. A partially frequency modulation laser signal is converted into a
substantially amplitude modulation laser signal. This conversion
increases the extinction ratio of the input signal and further reduces
the chirp. A wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) method is used for
transmitting high capacity information through fiber optics systems where
digital information is carried on separate wavelengths through the same
fiber. Separate transmitters normally generate their respective signals
that are transmitted at different wavelengths. These signals are then
combined using a wavelength multiplexer to transmit the high capacity
information through the fiber optic system. Various technologies can be
used to multiplex the signals such as, for example, thin film filters, or
arrayed waveguide gratings. In a WDM system, a wavelength locker may also
be used that fixes the center wavelength of a transmitter to a reference.
Wavelength lockers may include etalons or fiber gratings, either of which
provides a reference wavelength. A control circuit typically compares the
wavelength of the transmitter to the reference. An error signal adjusts
the transmitter format wavelength by varying temperature or by other
means to keep it locked to the reference wavelength.