Optimization algorithm for ultrabroadband multichannel aperiodic fiber Bragg grating filters

We consider an approach to designing complex multichannel filters for ultrabroadband applications. In contrast to earlier approaches that are restricted to specific problems, our generalized method can be applied to any conceivable fiber Bragg grating (FBG) multichannel design. Our method accomodates hundreds of filter channels that are spaced unevenly in wavelength, with variable widths, depths, and shapes. We demonstrate the power of the method for an FBG design with 150 narrow channels over the region 1400-1800 nm. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.