Optical spectrum explorer for maintenance of optical networks

We have presented an optical spectrum explorer and a procedure suitable to assess the quality of the optical signals and optical paths at the optical nodes. Though specific commercial apparatus can ensure optical spectrum analysis, the proposed system offers absolute frequency referencing, channel frequency identification and high-resolution frequency measurement. This system is better suited for densely spaced optical channels. However, the proposed maintenance procedure is suitable even for larger spaced optical carriers. In this case, more than one frequency swept laser could be used.