Photonic bandgap structures have provided promising platform for miniaturization of modern integrated optical devices. In this thesis, a photonic crystal based ring resonator (PCRR) is proposed and optimized to exhibit high quality factor. Also, force sensing application of the optimized PC ring resonator and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) application of the PCRR are discussed. Finally fabrication and characterization of the PCRR is presented. A photonic crystal ring resonator is designed in a hexagonal lattice of air holes on a silicon slab. A novel approach is used to optimize PCRR to achieve high quality factor. The numerical analysis of the optimized photonic crystal ring resonator is presented in detail. For all electromagnetic computations Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is used. The improvement in Q factor is explained by using the physical phenomenon, multipole cancellation of the radiation held of the PCRR cavity. The corresponding mathematical frame work has been included. The forced cancellation of lower order radiation components are verified by plotting far held radiation pattern of the PCRR cavity. Then, the force sensing application of the optimized PCRR is presented. A high sensitive force sensor based on photonic crystal ring resonator integrated with silicon micro cantilever is presented. The design and modelling of the device, including the mechanics of the cantilever, FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis of the cantilever beam with PC and without PC integrated on it. The force sensing characteristics are presented for forces in the range of 0 to 1 N. For forces which are in the range of few tens of N, a force sensor with bilayer cantilever is considered. PC ring resonator on the bilayer of 220nm thick silicon and 600nm thick SiO2 plays the role of sensing element. Force sensing characteristics of the bilayer cantilever for forces in the range of 0 to 10 N are presented. Fabrication and characterization of PCRR is also carried out. This experimental work is done mainly to understand practical issues in study of photonic crystal ring resonators. It is proved that Q factor of PCRR can be signi cantly improved by varying the PCRR parameters by the proposed method. Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) application of PC ring resonator is included. A novel 4-channel PC based demultiplexer is proposed and optimized in order to tolerate the fabrication errors and exhibit optimal cross talk, coupling efficiency between resonator and various channels of the device. Since the intention of this design is, to achieve the device performance that is independent of the unavoidable fabrication errors, the tolerance studies are made on the performance of the device towards the fabrication errors in the dimension of various related parameters. In conclusion we summarize major results, applications including computations and practical measurements of this work and suggest future work that may be carried out later.

This thesis presents an introduction to the design and simulation of a novel class of integrated photonic phased array switch elements. The main objective is to use nano-electromechanical (NEMS) based phase shifters of cascaded under-etched slot nanowires that are compact in size and require a small amount of power to operate them. The structure of the switch elements is organized such that it brings the phase shifting elements to the exterior sides of the photonic circuits. The transition slot couplers, used to interconnect the phase shifters, are designed to enable biasing one of the silicon beams of each phase shifter from an electrode located at the side of the phase shifter. The other silicon beam of each phase shifter is biased through the rest of the silicon structure of the switch element, which is taken as a ground. Phased array switch elements ranging from 2×2 up to 8×8 multiple-inputs/multiple-outputs (MIMO) are conveniently designed within reasonable footprints native to the current fabrication technologies. Chapter one presents the general layout of the various designs of the switch elements and demonstrates their novel features. This demonstration will show how waveguide disturbances in the interconnecting network from conventional switch elements can be avoided by adopting an innovative design. Some possible applications for the designed switch elements of different sizes and topologies are indicated throughout the chapter. Chapter two presents the design of the multimode interference (MMI) couplers used in the switch elements as splitters, combiners and waveguide crossovers. Simulation data and design methodologies for the multimode couplers of interest are detailed in this chapter. Chapter three presents the design and analysis of the NEMS-operated phase shifters. Both simulations and numerical analysis are utilized in the design of a 0º-180º capable NEMS-operated phase shifter. Additionally, the response of some of the designed photonic phased array switch elements is demonstrated in this chapter. An executive summary and conclusions sections are also included in the thesis.

The main goal of this diploma thesis is to design of high-speed optical network. The first part deals with theoretical knowledge in the field of optical transmissions, especially principle of wavelength division multiplexing. Generally speaking, this part is dedicated to optical connections over long distances. It will concentrate on different types of wavelength division multiplexing, optical fiber amplifiers and other basic optical components. Then it discusses influence of negative effects acting on optical transmission and discusses how to reduce or suppress their influence. Subsequently, there is designed backbone network in the Czech Republic in OptiSystem 7.0 software and are verified some mentioned theoretical knowledge. One of chapters also presents results of measurements of real optical routes in our state. The second part of the diploma thesis moves its attention on that part of optical network, which provides data connectivity to end users, that means it is focused on optical access network. There are described the most common topologies, standards and components. Based on these findings, in the last chapter, there is worked out design of optical access network FTTH (more precisely FTTD) in the selected location. Afterwards, the design is transferred to the OptiSystem 7.0 software, where is verified its functionality.

In this study, a review of research literature has been carried out to investigate Hybrid Time and wavelength Division Multiplexing techniques with respect to reach, split ratio, and speed of the network. This was done to overcome challenges presented by Passive Optical Networks, such as the reach and the high split ratio. A comparison of different methods clarifies that Hybrid PassiveOptical Networks have a high power-budget that ensure efficient signal transmission. The Optisys software has been used to analyze the performance of the different techniques.

L’informatique, le stockage des données et les applications à la demande font partie des services offerts par l’architecture informatique en Nuage. Dans ce cadre, les fournisseurs de nuage (FN) agissent non seulement en tant qu’administrateurs des ressources d'infrastructure mais ils profitent aussi financièrement de la location de ces ressources. Dans cette thèse, nous proposons trois modèles d'optimisation du processus d'allocation des ressources dans le nuage dans le but de réduire les coûts générés et d’accroitre la qualité du service rendu. Cela peut être accompli en fournissant au FN les outils formels nécessaires pour réduire au minimum le prix des ressources dédiées à servir les requêtes des utilisateurs. Ainsi, la mise en œuvre des modèles proposés permettra non seulement l’augmentation des revenus du FN, mais aussi l’amélioration de la qualité des services offerts, ce qui enrichira l’ensemble des interactions qui se produisent dans le nuage. A cet effet, nous nous concentrons principalement sur les ressources de l’infrastructure en tant que service (IaaS), lesquels sont contenus dans des centres de données (DCs), et constituent l'infrastructure physique du nuage. Comme une alternative aux immenses DCs centralisés, la recherche dans ce domaine comprend l’installation de petits centres de données (Edge DCs) placés à proximité des utilisateurs finaux. Dans ce contexte nous adressons le problème d’allocation des ressources et pour ce faire nous utilisons la technique d'optimisation nommée génération de colonnes. Cette technique nous permet de traiter des modèles d'optimisation à grande échelle de manière efficace. La formulation proposée comprend à la fois, et dans une seule phase, les communications et les ressources informatiques à optimiser dans le but de servir les requêtes de service d'infrastructure. Sur la base de cette formulation, nous proposons également un deuxième modèle qui comprend des garanties de qualité de service toujours sous la même perspective d'allocation des ressources d’infrastructure en tant que service. Ceci nous permet de fournir plusieurs solutions applicables à divers aspects du même problème, tels que le coût et la réduction des délais, tout en offrant différents niveaux de service. En outre, nous introduisons le scénario informatique en nuage multimédia, qui, conjointement avec l'architecture des Edge DCs, résulte en l'architecture Multimédia Edge Cloud (MEC). Dans ce cadre, nous proposons une nouvelle approche pour l'allocation des ressources dans les architectures informatique en nuage multimédia lors du positionnement de ces DCs afin de réduire les problèmes liés à la communication, tels que la latence et la gigue. Dans cette formulation, nous proposons également de mettre en œuvre des technologies optiques de réseau de fibres pour améliorer les communications entre les DCs. Plusieurs travaux ont proposé de nouvelles méthodes pour améliorer la performance et la transmission de données. Dans nos travaux, nous avons décidé de mettre en œuvre le multiplexage en longueur d'onde (WDM) pour renforcer l'utilisation des liens et les chemins optiques dans le but de grouper différents signaux sur la même longueur d'onde. Un environnement de simulation réel est également présenté pour l’évaluation des performances et de l'efficacité des approches proposées. Pour ce faire, nous utilisons le scénario spécifié pour les DCs, et nous comparons par simulation nos modèles au moyen de différents critères de performances tel que l'impact de la formulation optique sur la performance du réseau. Les résultats numériques obtenus ont montré que, en utilisant nos modèles, le FN peut efficacement réduire les coûts d'allocation en maintenant toujours un niveau satisfaisant quant à l'acceptation de requêtes et la qualité du service. / The cloud architecture offers on-demand computing, storage and applications. Within this structure, Cloud Providers (CPs) not only administer infrastructure resources but also directly benefit from leasing them. In this thesis, we propose three optimization models to assist CPs reduce the costs incurred in the resource allocation process when serving users’ demands. Implementing the proposed models will not only increase the CP’s revenue but will also enhance the quality of the services offered, benefiting all parties. We focus on Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) resources which constitute the physical infrastructure of the cloud and are contained in datacenters (DCs). Following existing research in DC design and cloud computing applications, we propose the implementation of smaller DCs (Edge DCs) be located close to end users as an alternative to large centralized DCs. Lastly, we use the Column Generation optimization technique to handle large scale optimization models efficiently. The proposed formulation optimizes both the communications and information technology resources in a single phase to serve IaaS requests. Based on this formulation, we also propose a second model that includes QoS guarantees under the same Infrastructure as a Service resource allocation perspective, to provide different solutions to diverse aspects of the resource allocation problem such as cost and delay reduction while providing different levels of service. Additionally, we consider the multimedia cloud computing scenario. When Edge DCs architecture is applied to this scenario it results in the creation of the Multimedia Edge Cloud (MEC) architecture. In this context we propose a resource allocation approach to help with the placement of these DCs to reduce communication related problems such as jitter and latency. We also propose the implementation of optical fiber network technologies to enhance communication between DCs. Several studies can be found proposing new methods to improve data transmission and performance. For this study, we decided to implement Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) to strengthen the link usage and light-paths and, by doing so, group different signals over the same wavelength. Using a realistic simulation environment, we evaluate the efficiency of the approaches proposed in this thesis using a scenario specifically designed for the DCs, comparing them with different benchmarks and also simulating the effect of the optical formulation on the network performance. The numerical results obtained show that by using the proposed models, a CP can efficiently reduce allocation costs while maintaining satisfactory request acceptance and QoS ratios.

O presente trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento e implementação de duas configurações distintas de um receptor optoeletrônico integrado. A primeira configuração é similar a um projeto encontrado na literatura mas apresenta diversas modificações que lhe conferiram melhor desempenho em comparação ao projeto original. A segunda configuração é uma nova proposta deste trabalho. O receptor foi desenvolvido e implementado visando sua aplicação em redes de comunicações ópticas passivas (PONs) de alta velocidade comutadas a pacote, para possibilitar a utilização da técnica de multiplexação em comprimento de onda (WDM), aumentando assim a capacidade de transmissão da rede, em particular no ramo de ligação da rede de serviços com o usuário final, denominado rede de acesso. O principal objetivo do receptor aqui desenvolvido foi proporcionar uma sintonia rápida entre os canais disponíveis na rede, possibilitando sua seleção num tempo inferior àquele necessário para a transmissão de um único pacote de informação, diminuindo assim o atraso de sintonia e, por conseguinte, a perda de informação. Para tanto, os circuitos integrados implementados e caracterizados referem-se aos circuitos de chaveamento eletrônico e do amplificador de transimpedância das duas configurações investigadas. Os dados experimentais obtidos para as duas configurações confirmaram a previsão de chaveamento dos canais de entrada num intervalo de tempo da ordem de alguns nanosegundos, o que é totalmente compatível com a velocidade de transmissão das aplicações a que se destina este receptor (aproximadamente 5 Gbits/s). Adicionalmente, são apresentados os dados experimentais relativos à freqüência de corte, ganho direto, isolação, relação on/off e características de ruído dos circuitos implementados. / The present work describes the design and implementation of two configurations of an integrated optoelectronic receiver. The first one is similar to a previously reported design but with some modifications to improve its performance. The second one is a new proposal of this work. The goal of the receiver design and implementation was its application in high bit rate packet-switched passive optical networks (PONs) employing the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technique to increase the network capacity, in particular on the connection branch of the network core with the final user, the access network. The main goal of the receiver design was to achieve a fast channel tuning, allowing a tuning time smaller than the required for the transmission of a single information packet, decreasing the tuning latency and, therefore, the rate of information packet loss. In order to accomplish this goal, the implemented and tested integrated circuits include the electronic switching circuit and the transimpedance amplifier for both configurations investigated. The measured data for both configurations confirm the expected input channel switching time results, of about a few nanoseconds, which is certainly useful for the expected bit rate of operation (approximate 5 Gbps). Additionally, experimental results concerning cutoff frequency and bandwidth, direct gain, isolation, on/off ratio, and noise characteristics of both implemented circuits are presented.

[pt] Objetivando suprimir as instabilidades dinâmicas de ganho em um amplificador à fibra dopada com Érbio (EDFA), uma nova configuração de laser em anel é apresentada e demonstrada. Neste trabalho, analizamos os efeitos da variação do nível de atenuação no laço de re-alimentação sobre a resposta transitória do EDFA. Particularmente, observamos as excursões de ganho experimentadas pelo canal sobrevivente quando sete dentre oito canais da rede são adicionados ou removidos, à exemplo do que ocorre em sistemas WDM reais. Sob esta análise, avaliamos o desempenho do sistema em suprimir as instabilidades dinâmicas de ganho do EDFA. / [en] A new ring laser configuration to eliminate the gain dynamic instabilities of an erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is proposed and demonstrated. We examine the effect of the attenuation level in the optical feedback path over thetransient response of the EDFA. In particular, we look at the transient gain excursions experienced by surviving channel when seven of eight channels are added or dropped, like in real WDM systems. Using this analysis as a guide, we highlight the robustness of the approach and evaluate its performance to EDFA gain stabilization.

Optical communications systems operate at the limits of their margins to respond to increasing capacity demands. Some of the signal processing functions required must soon operate at speeds beyond electronic implementation. Optical signal processors are fundamentally analog which requires precise control of the operating state. Programmable optical components are consequently essential. The thesis explores and elucidates the properties of meshes of generalized Mach-Zehnder interferometers (GMZIs) amenable to silicon (Si) photonics integration that are based on multimode interference couplers with programmability achieved via voltage controlled phase-shift elements within the interferometer arms to perform a variety of finite impulse response (FIR) and infinite impulse response (IIR) signal processing functions. The thesis presents a novel class of integrated photonic phased array systems with a single-stage, multistage, and feedback architectures. The designed photonic integrated systems utilize nano-electromechanical-system (NEMS) operated phase shifters of cascaded free suspended slot waveguides that are compact and require a small amount of power to operate. The structure of the integrated photonic phased array switch (IPPAS) elements is organized such that it brings the NEMS-operated phase shifters to the exterior sides of the construction; facilitating electrical connection. The transition slot couplers used to interconnect the phase shifters to the rest of the silicon structure are designed to enable biasing one of the silicon beams of each phase shifter from an electrode located at the side of the phase shifter. The other silicon beam of each phase shifter is biased through the rest of the silicon structure of the fabric, which is taken as a ground. Phased array processors of 2×2 and 4×4 multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) ports are conveniently designed within reasonable footprints native to the current fabrication technologies. The response of the single-stage 4×4 broadband IPPAS element is determined, and its phase synthesis states required for single-throw, double-throw and broadcast routing operations are predicted. The transmission responses of the single-stage wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) processors of 2×2 and 4×4 MIMO ports are simulated. The wavelength steering capability of the transmission interferograms by applying progressive phase shifts through the array of NEMS-operated phase shift elements of the single-stage 4×4 WDM (de)multiplexer is demonstrated. The advantages of cascading broadband and WDM phased array sections are articulated through several study cases. Five different cascaded phased array architectures are trialed for the construction of non-blocking 4×4 IPPAS broadband switches that are essential elements in the construction of universal photonic processors. A cascaded 2×2 WDM (de)multiplexer that can set the bandwidth of the (de)multiplexed cyclic channels into a binary number of programmable values is demonstrated. The envelope and wavelength modulations of the transmission responses utilizing a cascaded forward structure of three 2×2 sections that can be utilized for the (de)multiplexing of different bandwidth channels are demonstrated providing individual wavelength steering capability of the narrowband and wideband channels and the individual wavelength steering capability of the slow envelope and wavelength modulating functions. Innovative universal 2×2 and 4×4 cascaded phased array processors of advanced high-order architectures that can function as both non-blocking broadband routers and tunable WDM (de)multiplexers with spectrum steering and bandwidth control of the (de)multiplexed demands are introduced. The multimode interference (MMI) coupler is utilized for the construction of several IIR feedback photonic processors. Tunable photonic feedback processors have the advantage of using less number of MMI couplers compared to their counterparts of FIR forward-path processors saving on the footprint and loss merits. A passive feedback 2×2 (de)multiplexer made of a 4×4 MMI coupler and two loopback paths is proposed. The inclusion of an imbalance in the lengths of the loopback paths of the same symmetrical feedback (de)multiplexer is demonstrated to achieve wavelength modulation of the (de)multiplexed transmission responses that are useful for the (de)multiplexing of different bandwidth channels. Several newly introduced IIR feedback architectures are demonstrated to function similarly as their counterparts of FIR forward-path processors as binary bandwidth variable (de)multiplexers, envelope and wavelength modulation (de)multiplexers, and universal feedback processors. The investigation provided in this thesis is also supported with dynamic zero-pole evolution analysis in the complex plane of analysis of the studied FIR and IIR photonic processors to enhance understanding the principle of operation. This research expands the prospective for constructing innovative silicon-on-insulator (SOI) based optical processors for applications in modern optical communication systems and programmable elastic optical networks (EONs).

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματεύεται την ανάλυση και προσομοίωση τηλεπικοινωνιακών δικτύων πολυδιάστατης κίνησης, ενώ δίνεται ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στα οπτικά δίκτυα. Βασικός σκοπός της διατριβής αποτελεί η ανάπτυξη αναλυτικών μοντέλων για τον υπολογισμό παραμέτρων απόδοσης του δικτύου, όπως η πιθανότητα απώλειας σύνδεσης, πιθανότητα απώλειας κλήσης, η καθυστέρηση μετάδοσης και το ποσοστό χρησιμοποίησης του καναλιού μετάδοσης. Τα προτεινόμενα αναλυτικά μοντέλα διαφοροποιούνται ανάλογα με την τεχνολογία δικτύου. Οι τεχνολογίες αυτές είναι: Α) Οπτικά δίκτυα δρομολόγησης μήκους κύματος. Β) Οπτικά δίκτυα πρόσβασης. Γ) Ασύρματα δίκτυα πρόσβασης στο Διαδίκτυο. Για οπτικά δίκτυα δρομολόγησης μήκους κύματος αρχικά μελετάται η περίπτωση απλής οπτικής ζεύξης, ενώ στη συνέχεια εξετάζεται δίκτυο πολλαπλών κόμβων τυχαίας τοπολογίας. Επίσης, προτείνονται αναλυτικά μοντέλα για την περίπτωση της μεταγωγής οπτικών πακέτων με την αποτίμηση της απόδοσης ενός οπτικού διακόπτη, αλλά και δικτύου μεταγωγής οπτικών πακέτων τυχαίας τοπολογίας. Ακολούθως, προτείνονται αναλυτικά μοντέλα για την αποτίμηση της απόδοσης παθητικών οπτικών δικτύων, τα οποία υλοποιούν διαφορετικές μεθόδους πολλαπλής πρόσβασης. Για την περίπτωση της πολλαπλής πρόσβασης με διαίρεση χρόνου μελετάται το παθητικό οπτικό δίκτυο Ethernet, το οποίο υποστηρίζει πολυδιάστατη κίνηση. Αναφορικά με την πολυπλεξία με διαίρεση μήκους κύματος μελετάται ένα υβριδικό παθητικό οπτικό δίκτυο σε επίπεδο κλήσεων. Οι κλήσεις διακρίνονται ανάλογα με τη διαδικασία άφιξης σε τυχαίες και ψευδοτυχαίες κλήσεις, ανάλογα με τις απαιτήσεις σε εύρος ζώνης σε κλήσεις με σταθερές και ελαστικές απαιτήσεις και ανάλογα με τη συμπεριφορά τους κατά την παραμονή τους στο δίκτυο σε κλήσεις σταθερού ρυθμού μετάδοσης και σε κλήσεις οι οποίες εναλλάσσονται μεταξύ ενεργών περιόδων μετάδοσης και περιόδων σιγής. Τέλος, προτείνονται αναλυτικά μοντέλα υπολογισμού απωλειών για την περίπτωση της πολλαπλής πρόσβασης με διαίρεση οπτικού κώδικα, τα οποία λαμβάνουν υπ’όψιν πολλαπλές υπηρεσίες, την παρουσία προσθετικού θορύβου, αλλά και τη δραστηριότητα του χρήστη. Για την αποτίμηση της απόδοσης ασύρματων δικτύων πρόσβασης στο Διαδίκτυο προτείνονται αναλυτικά μοντέλα, τα οποία υλοποιούν το πρωτόκολλο ΙΕΕΕ 802.11 ή το πρωτόκολλο ΙΕΕΕ 802.11e. Η προτεινόμενη ανάλυση υπολογίζει τόσο τη διεκπεραιωτική ικανότητα του δικτύου, όσο και τη συνολική καθυστέρηση μετάδοσης πακέτου ως συνάρτηση της καθυστέρησης στο ασύρματο μέσο και της καθυστέρησης στην ουρά αναμονής. Σε όλες τις περιπτώσεις η ακρίβεια των προτεινόμενων μοντέλων πιστοποιείται/ελέγχεται με την προσομοίωση του δικτύου στον υπολογιστή. / In this PhD dissertation multi-rate models are examined for the performance analysis of telecommunication networks through mathematical analysis and simulation. Particular emphasis is given to optical networks. The main goal is the development of analytical models for the calculation of network performance metrics, such as blocking probabilities, transmission delay and utilization of the common channel. The proposed analytical models are distinguished according to the network technologies. Three different technologies are considered: A) Wavelength routed optical networks. B) Optical access networks. C) Wireless Internet access networks. Multi-rate loss models are proposed for the performance evaluation of wavelength routed optical networks. Firstly, the case of a single link is considered and then a mesh all-optical network is examined. In addition, analytical models are proposed for Optical Packet Switching (OPS) networks, for the case of an all-optical OPS switch and of an OPS mesh network. Multi-rate analytical models are proposed for the evaluation of the performance of Passive Optical Networks (PONs) implementing different multiple access methods. For the case of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) the Ethernet PON is studied, which supports multiple service-classes. Regarding the Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) PONs a hybrid WDM-TDMA PON is considered and the call-level performance is evaluated. Calls are distinguished by their arrival process, which can be random or quasi random, by their bandwidth requirements, which can be fixed of elastic and by their behavior during their service, which can be calls of fixed transmission rate or calls that alternate between ON and OFF periods. Finally multi-rate loss models are proposed for the case of Optical Code Division Multiple Access (OCDMA) PONs that take into account the user activity and the presence of additive noise in the transmission channel. For the performance analysis of wireless Internet access networks analytical models are proposed, which implement the IEEE 802.11 protocol or the IEEE 802.11e protocol. The proposed analysis calculated the saturation throughput and the end-to-end packet delay as a function of the Medium Access Control (MAC) delay and the queueing delay. In all cases the accuracy of the proposed models is validated through simulation.

Photonics and Optical techniques have advanced recently by a great extend to play an important role in Microwave and Radar applications. Antenna array of modern active phased array radars consist of multiple low power transmit and receive mod- ules. This demands distribution of the various Local Oscillator(LO) signals for up conversion of transmit signals and down conversion of receive signals during various modes of operation of a radar system. Additionally, these receivers require control and clock signals which are digital and low frequency analog, for the synchronization between receive modules. This is normally achieved through RF cables with complex distribution networks which add significantly higher additional weight to the arrays. During radar operations, radio frequency (RF) transmit signal needs to be distributed through the same modules which will in turn get distributed to all antenna elements of the array using RF cables. This makes the system bulky and these large number of cables are prone to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and need additional shielding. Therefore it is very desirable to distribute a combination of these RF, analog and digital signals using a distribution network that is less complex, light in weight and immune to EMI. Advancements in Optical and Microwave photonics area have enabled carrying of higher datarate signals on a single fiber due to its higher bandwidth capability including RF signals. This is achieved by employing Wavelength Division Multi- plexing (WDM) that combine high speed channels at different wavelengths. This work proposes, characterizes and evaluates an optical Wavelength Division Multiplexed(WDM) distribution network that will overcome the above mentioned problems in a phased array radar application. The work carries out a feasibility analysis supported with experimental measurements of various physical parameters like am- plitude, delay, frequency and phase variation for various radar waveforms over WDM links. Different configurations of optical distribution network are analyzed for multipoint distribution of both digital and RF signals. These network configurations are modeled and evaluated against various parameters that include power level, loss, cost and component count. A configuration which optimizes these parameters based on the application requirements is investigated. Considerable attention is paid to choose a configuration which does not provide excess loss, which is economically viable, compact and can be realized with minimum component count. After analysing the link configuration, multiplexing density of the WDM link is considered. In this work, since the number of signals to be distributed in radar systems are small, a coarse WDM(CWDM) scheme is considered for evaluation. A comparative study is also performed between coarse and dense WDM (DWDM) links for selection of a suitable multiplexing scheme. These configurations are modeled and evaluated with power budgeting. Even though CWDM scheme does not permit the utilisation of the available bandwidth to the fullest extent, these links have the advantage of having less hardware complexity and easiness of implementation. As the application requires signal distribution to thousands of transmit-receive modules, amplifiers are necessary to compensate for the reduction of signal level due to the high splitting ratio. Introduction of commonly available optical amplifiers like Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA), affect the CWDM channel output powers adversely due to their non-flat gain spectrum. Unlike DWDM systems, the channel separation of CWDM systems are much larger causing significantly high channel gain differences at the EDFA output. So an analysis is carried out for the selection of a suitable wavelength for CWDM channels to minimize the EDFA output power variation. If the gain difference is still significant, separate techniques needs to be implemented to flatten the output power at the antenna end. A CWDM configuration using C-band and L-band EDFAs is proposed and is supported with a feasibility analysis. As a part of evaluation of these links for radar applications, a mathematical model of the WDM link is developed by considering both the RF and digital sig- nals. A generic CWDM system consisting of transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, multiplexers/ demultiplexers and detectors are considered for the modeling. For RF signal transmission, the transmitters with external modulators are considered. Mod- eling is done based on a bottom-top approach where individual component models are initially modeled as a function of input current/power and later cascaded to obtain the link model. These models are then extended to obtain the wavelength dependent model ( spectral response) of the hybrid signal distribution link Further mathematical analysis of the developed link model revealed its variable separable nature in terms of the input power and wavelength. This led to significant reduction in the link equation complexity and development of some approximation techniques to easily represent the link behavior. The reduced form of the link spectral model was very essential as the initially developed wavelength model had a lot of parametric dependency on the component models. This mathematical reduction process led to simplification of the spectral model into a product of two independent functions, the input current and wavelength. It is also noticed that the total link power within specific wavelength range can be obtained by the integrating these functions over a specific link input power. After the mathematical modelling, an experimental prototype physical link is set up and characterized using various radar signals like continuous wave (CW) RF, pulsed RF, non linear frequency modulated signal (NLFM) etc. Additionally a proof of concept Radio-Over-Fiber (RoF) link is established to prove the superior transmission of microwave signal through an optical link. The analysis is supported with measurements on amplitude, delay, frequency and phase variations. The NLFM waveforms transmissions are further analysed using a matched _ltering process to confirm the side lobe requirement. Further a prototype WDM link is built to study the performance when digitally modulated channels are also multiplexed into the link. The link is again validated for signal levels, delay, frequency and phase parameters. Since amplitude and delay are deterministic, it is proposed that these parameter variations can be compensated by using suitable components either in the electrical or the optical domain. Radar systems use low frequency digital signals of different duty-cycles for synchronization and control across various transmit-receive modules. In the proposed link, these digital signals also modulate a WDM channel and hence the link is called a hybrid system. As the proposed link has EDFA to compensate for the splitting losses, there are chances of transient effects at the EDFA output for these low bitrate channels. Owing to the long carrier lifetime, low bitrate digital channels are prone to EDFA transient effects under specific signal and pump power conditions. Additionally, the synchronization signals used in radar application vary the duty-cycle over time, which is found to introduce variations in transient output. This practical challenge is further studied and the thesis for the first time, includes an analysis of EDFA transient e_ects for variable duty-cycle pulsed signals. The analysis is carried out for various parameters like bitrate, input power, pump power and duty-cycle. Investigations on EDFA transients on variable duty-cycle signals help in proposing a viable method to predict the lower duty-cycle transients from higher duty-cycle transients. The predicted transients were again validated against simulated transients and experimental results. As these transient effects are not desirable for radar signals, we propose a novel transient suppression techniques in optical and electrical domain which are validated with simulation and experimental measures. One suppression technique tries to avoid transient effect by keeping the optical input to EDFA always constant by feeding an inverted version of the original pulse into the EDFA along with the actual pulse. It is observed that as the wavelength of the inverted pulse is closer to the original input pulse, the transient effect settles faster. These EDFA transients are evaluated with WDM link configurations, where both high and low bitrate signals are co-propagated. Another challenging aspect of the link operation is the non-at gain spectrum of EDFA. i.e., EDFA provides unequal power level for various signals at WDM link output. This is especially true in the case of local oscillator signals, where it is preferable to have the same amplitude signals before feeding it to the mixer stages. But in the radar applications, this will require additional hardware circuits to equalize the signal level within a phased array antenna. This work also proposes some of the power equalization methods that can be used along with the WDM links. This part of the work is also supported with simulation model and experimental results. The analytical and experimental study of this thesis aids the evaluation process of a suitable optical Wavelength Division Multiplexed(WDM) distribution network that can be used for the distribution of both RF and digital signals. The optical WDM links being superior with its light weight, less loss and EMI/ EMC immunity provides a better solution to future class of radars.