Abstract: A wavelength division demultiplexing device is presented utilizing a polarization-based filter or a multi-cavity etalon (e.g., a multi-cavity Fabry-Perot etalon) to obtain a flat-top filter response which can be utilized to create a flat-top slicer which separates out odd and even wavelengths, or upper and lower channels of an input WDM signal. The flat-top slicer can be used as the first stage of a cascaded network of wavelength demultiplexers in which following stages can be based on polarization-based filters, multi-cavity etalons, or other interferometric WDM devices, which are adequate due to the increased channel spacing obtained in the first stage of the network.

Abstract: A hybrid analog/binary electro-optic modulator using a twisted ferroelectric liquid crystal structure is provided. Ferroelectric liquid crystals with a tilt angle of between about 20.degree. and about 25.degree., preferably about 22.5.degree. are used. Rubbing directions for the two cell walls (relative to one another) can be varied from about 45.degree. to about 90.degree.. In one embodiment, a weak buffing force is used resulting in a relatively weak anchoring energy at the surface, aligning the liquid crystal molecules without locking the molecules into the buffing directions and a high pre-tilt structure for the molecules close to the surface boundaries. In one embodiment, strong buffing is used with buffing directions offset about 45.degree.. Use of this invention provides relatively fast response time, low required driving voltage, high contrast, and/or the ability to achieve both analog and binary operations.