A monolithic optical transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC)
comprises a plurality of integrated modulated sources which, when all
operated at constant current, display a power output that varies as a
function of array position similar to a quadratic-shaped curve and,
further, forming an array of signal channels each having a different
wavelength output. An optical combiner/decombiner is integrated in the
circuit and has at least one free space region with a plurality of
ordered bands along its edge where the zero order band is substantially
at a longitudinal centerline of the free space region and where, on
either side of this band, is a first order band followed by additional
higher order bands. The ends of the output waveguides from the modulated
sources are coupled approximate to the free space region edge along a
region of the zero order band between one of the adjacent first order
bands and a longitudinal centerline of the zero order band so that the
inputs of the signal channels to the combiner of are titled or offset
with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the combiner free space
region so the combined outputs from the optical combiner will be aligned
along the slope of the quadric-shaped curve of the combiner output
passband envelope. The tilted combiner/decombiner may also be deployed in
a receiver photonic integrated circuit (RxPIC) or other circuit employing
such a device.