Abstract
The authors describe the design and performance of an optical frequency-division-multiplexing (FDM) system that uses a frequency-shift-keying (FSK) direct detection scheme. This system utilizes a Mach-Zehnder type periodic filter as a channel selective filter and optical frequency discriminator. Requirement conditions for laser diode linewidth, frequency deviation, channel frequency spacing, detuning of optical filters, and signal power variance are discussed. These characteristics are experimentally confirmed using planar waveguide type filters.