Abstract: A miniature monolithic optical add-drop multiplexer that comprises a dispersive optical element, a wavelength filter array and a diverter. The miniature monolithic optical DWDM add-drop multiplexer can be fabricated using micro- and nano-scale techniques common to the semiconductor industry. The operating principles and some characteristics of the DWDM add-drop multiplexer are described. The device will be useful in the field of optical communication as a component within networks that perform all of the necessary switching, adding, dropping, and manipulating of optical signals entirely in the optical domain.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 18, 2001
Date of Patent:
September 17, 2002
Assignee:
Confluent Photonics Co.
Inventors:
Michael B. Frish, Philip B. Keating, William J. Kessler, Steven J. Davis