Waveguide spectrum analyser based on the step structure

A planar waveguide spectrum analyser (PWSA) is proposed for wavelength division multiplexing applications. The dispersive elements of the PWSA consist of a waveguide step structure of Michelson echelon type. An investigation was carried out into the dependence of PWSA resolution on the parameters of the step structure and the characteristics of the waveguides. The experimental PWSA was based on Ta2O5 thin film and had a resolution of 2000.