Abstract: A method and device provide efficient wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing (WDM) including reduced signal distortion, higher wavelength selectivity, increased light efficiency, reduced cross-talk, and easier integration with other planar devices, and lower cost manufacturing. The method and device include a planar holographic multiplexer/demultiplexer having a planar waveguide, the planar waveguide including a holographic element that separates and combines pre-determined (pre-selected) light wavelengths. The holographic element includes a plurality of holograms that reflect pre-determined light wavelengths from an incoming optical beam to a plurality of different focal points, each pre-determined wavelength representing the center wavelength of a distinct channel. Advantageously, a plurality of superposed holograms may be formed by a plurality of structures, each hologram reflecting a distinct center wavelength to represent a distinct channel to provide discrete disperstion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photonic multi-bandgap structure, herein also referred to as photonic bandgap quasi-crystal (“PBQC”), that can direct light, having wavelength components within a selected passband (&Dgr;&lgr;), from an input port, to a predefined output port, while providing an integrating element for Planar Lightwave Circuts. A photonic bandgap quasi-crystal of the invention combines in a planar waveguide spectrally selective properties of gratings, focusing properties of elliptical mirrors, superposition properties of thick holograms, photonic bandgaps of periodic structures, and flexibility of binary lithography. A photonic structure of the invention can be utilized, for example, as an integrating spectrally sensitive element in a variety of optical devices that can include, but are not limited to, optical switches, optical multiplexer/demultiplexers, multi-wavelength lasers, and channel monitors in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) telecommunications system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photonic multi-bandgap structure, herein also referred to as photonic bandgap quasi-crystal (“PBQC”), that can direct light, having wavelength components within a selected passband (&Dgr;&lgr;), from an input port, to a predefined output port, while providing an integrating element for Planar Lightwave Circuits. A photonic bandgap quasi-crystal of the invention combines in a planar waveguide spectrally selective properties of gratings, focusing properties of elliptical mirrors, superposition properties of thick holograms, photonic bandgaps of periodic structures, and flexibility of binary lithography. A photonic structure of the invention can be utilized, for example, as an integrating spectrally sensitive element in a variety of optical devices that can include, but are not limited to, optical switches, optical multiplexer/demultiplexers, multi-wavelength lasers, and channel monitors in Wavelength Division Mulitplexing (WDM) telecommunications system.