Abstract: A multiplexing/demultiplexing optical device comprises a beam distribution element to receive an input optical signal comprising one or more wavelengths and to distribute the optical signal into a plurality of beams. The optical device also comprises a variable path length element to receive the distributed optical signal from the first optical element, where the variable path length element comprises a plurality path sections, where a length of at least one of the path sections is variable. The optical device further comprises a beam interaction element to receive the plurality of beams from the variable path length element, wherein the plurality of beams are combined and allowed to interfere, and are thereby demultiplexed. A controller operatively coupled to the variable path length element can be provided to programmatically vary the length of one or more of the path sections.

Abstract: A multiplexing/demultiplexing optical device comprises a beam distribution element to receive an input optical signal comprising one or more wavelengths and to distribute the optical signal into a plurality of beams. The optical device also comprises a variable path length element to receive the distributed optical signal from the first optical element, where the variable path length element comprises a plurality path sections, where a length of at least one of the path sections is variable. The optical device further comprises a beam interaction element to receive the plurality of beams from the variable path length element, wherein the plurality of beams are combined and allowed to interfere, and are thereby demultiplexed. A controller operatively coupled to the variable path length element can be provided to programmatically vary the length of one or more of the path sections.

Abstract: An optical device for receiving an optical signal of one or more wavelengths comprises an n-way optical coupler, where n is any integer ≧2, to split the optical signal by an intensity ratio into n branch signals. The device also comprises an arrayed waveguide grating, which includes a first optical slab having n input ports, where each branch signal is coupled to a different input port and a waveguide array structure including a plurality of waveguides. The waveguides have incrementally different path lengths. The device further comprises a second optical slab coupled to each of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide array structure. In the second optical slab, the n branch signals are each demultiplexed. With this configuration, the demultiplexed signals of each branch signal do not substantially overlap with the demultiplexed signals of another branch signal at an output face of the second optical slab.

Abstract: An optical device for receiving an optical signal of one or more wavelengths comprises an n-way optical coupler, where n is any integer≧2, to split the optical signal by an intensity ratio into n branch signals. The device also comprises an arrayed waveguide grating, which includes a first optical slab having n input ports, where each branch signal is coupled to a different input port and a waveguide array structure including a plurality of waveguides. The waveguides have incrementally different path lengths. The device further comprises a second optical slab coupled to each of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide array structure. In the second optical slab, the n branch signals are each demultiplexed. With this configuration, the demultiplexed signals of each branch signal do not substantially overlap with the demultiplexed signals of another branch signal at an output face of the second optical slab.