Abstract: Optical element support structures and methods of using and making the same. One support structure is configured to restrain an optical element in at least two degrees of freedom. The structure comprises a first jaw, a first flexure, a second jaw and a second flexure. The first jaw has a first jaw face configured to contact the optical element. The first flexure is attached to the first jaw. The second jaw has a second jaw face configured to contact the optical element. The second flexure is attached to the second jaw. The first jaw face and the second jaw face are configured to restrain the optical element in at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Optical signal power levels for selected optical channels processed within an add/drop node in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) system are adjusted as a function of variations in signal power in an incoming WDM signal caused by gain ripple. In particular, a “ripple fitting” method is described whereby the optical signal power of individual optical channels being added at the add/drop node are adjusted to levels that correspond to the ripple profile of other optical channels being routed through the add/drop node. In this manner, the gain ripple in the WDM signal being output from the add/drop node approximately corresponds to the gain ripple in the incoming WDM signal at the node.