Packaging of Large-scale Integrated-Optic N x N Star Couplers

Integrated optic 64 X 64 and 144 X 144 star COU- plers have been rigidly connected to single-mode fiber pigtails and packaged in bookshelf-type units. The 64 X 64 and 144 X 144 star coupler modules exhibit average insertion losses of 21.7 and 26.6 dB, respectively, at 1.55 pm and wavelength insensitive operation over the wide spectral range of 1.3-1.6 pm.