As the capacity of optical communications continues to grow, it becomes essential to leverage all five physical dimensions of a photon to transmit information efficiently. This talk explores the feasibility of designing a single planar device, based on an arrayed waveguide configuration, capable of performing not only frequency multiplexing but also time, space and polarization multiplexing.
A suitable design can generate optical codes and implement optical Fourier transforms, making it suitable for use in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Additionally, it can be engineered as a linear modulator, an optical switch, or integrated into various hybrid (multidimensional) architecture, enhancing its versatility in advanced optical networks.