Abstract: There are provided a substantially cylindrical optical component, a method for connecting the same, and an optical module having the optical component, whereby adequate gripping force can be exerted during positioning or fixing, and the position in the azimuthal angle about the cylinder axis can be easily aligned. The optical component comprises a substantially cylindrical elongated member, an outer peripheral portion of which includes a cylindrical portion and a side plane portion that has a flat surface, the flat surface being parallel to a central axis to the elongated member. The optical module is composed of a planar light circuit device connected to a rod lens or capillary. With the method for connecting the optical component, the optical component of the present invention is positioned using the side plane portion as a reference, and is connected to another optical component.

Abstract: A gradient-index rod lens is provided that is excellent in yield. The gradient-index rod lens has a core/clad structure and is obtained by providing a mother glass rod, which includes a core glass mother composition and a clad glass mother composition, with a refractive index distribution through ion exchange. The clad and the core each contains an alkali metal oxide but are substantially free from lead. The clad and the core each contains an alkali metal oxide and has a basic composition including components other than the alkali metal oxide, but they are different from each other in the basic composition. The clad glass mother composition has a higher thermal expansion coefficient and glass-transition temperature than those of the core glass mother composition. The difference of the thermal expansion coefficient between the clad glass mother composition and the core glass mother composition is larger than 2×10?7/° C. but smaller than 20×10?7/° C.

Abstract: Au automated laser pressing system assembles and aligns a laser header subassembly to a lens housing. The automated system generally includes a precise press system and a fast fiber alignment system. The press system precisely presses the housing onto the header, or the header onto the housing, and the fiber alignment system keeps a fiber in alignment with light passed through the lens to measure the laser header to lens housing alignment. Feedback from the fiber alignment system to the housing press system is used to precisely and automatically adjust the alignment as necessary before the housing and header are permanently affixed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation is provided. In particular, at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis may be provided. Further, a light transmissive optical arrangement may be provided in optical cooperation with the optical fiber. The optical arrangement may have a first surface having a portion that is perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion. The first axis can be provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the second axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic collimator system, a fiber optic collimator array, and a fiber optic collimator array system, which can reduce difficulty in an alignment process, minimize a coupling loss, and prevent the optical characteristics from deteriorating. An optical fiber is fused to one end of a GRIN lens made of quartz glass containing one or more selected from Sb2O3, Ta2O5, TiO2 and ZrO2 as a refractive index regulating substance, to form an optical fiber with a GRIN lens. Since an adhesive is not used, the core alignment of the GRIN lens and the optical fiber can be facilitated by a self alignment effect without deteriorating the optical characteristics. Moreover, the coupling loss is remarkably reduced by appropriately setting a refractive index distribution constant g of the GRIN lens.

Abstract: The invention provides a wavelength selective optical device in which a light emitted from an end surface of a first optical fiber that propagates optical signals with a plurality of multiplexed wavelengths is incident on a first end surface of a first graded index rod lens, then a parallel light beam emitted from a second end surface of the first graded index rod lens is incident on an optical filter arranged to face to the second end surface of the first graded index rod lens, and then a light reflected by the optical filter is incident again on the second end surface of the first graded index rod lens so as to couple to a second optical fiber arranged on a first end surface side of the first graded index rod lens, wherein a refractive index distribution constant of the first graded index rod lens is set such that a center wavelength of the light reflected by the optical filter is positioned within a desired range.

Abstract: An optical filter element having high isolation and reduction in reflection loss for input light beams. The optical filter element is used with a transparent substrate having a surface that includes a first area and a second area. The optical filter element has a target wavelength range. The optical filter element includes a first dielectric multilayer film arranged in the first area of the transparent substrate. A second dielectric multilayer film is arranged in the second area of the surface of the transparent substrate. The second dielectric multilayer film has a reflectance of a predetermined value or less for a light beam having a wavelength in the target wavelength range. A portion of the second dielectric multilayer film and a portion of the first dielectric multilayer film are laminated each other.

Abstract: An optical power monitor having a reduced number of component parts, easy to assemble, capable of facilitating positioning for achieving improved optical coupling, and having a reduced size and a reduced manufacturing cost. A pigtail fiber in which the center axis of an optical fiber is shifted from the center axis of the columnar capillary by 0.020 to 0.150 mm is used. The pigtail fiber and a photo diode are provided in a cylindrical tube with the pigtail fiber center axis and the photo diode center axis aligned with each other. The pigtail fiber and the photo diode can be adjusted to the optimum position in the cylindrical tube by adjustment in the longitudinal direction, thus advantageously simplifying the adjustment process in comparison with that in the conventional optical power monitor in which adjustments by movement in the radial direction, movement in the longitudinal direction and rotation about the center axis are made.

Abstract: A collimator lens having a low reflectivity and significantly improved durability against high-power light is provided so that optical parts using the collimator lens can be reduced in size and cost lowered. A plurality of optical fibers can be connected to the collimator lens to produce a variety of fiber collimators and optical parts based on the fiber collimator. The collimator lens is made essentially of quarts glass whose refractive index is graded radially so as to increase towards the optical axis and decrease gradually towards the outer periphery. The collimator lens and optical fibers are connected directly by fusion.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupling part capable of reducing coupling loss while maintaining a large operating distance, and having a good module assembling property. AT least one GRIN lens having numerical aperture NA that is larger than numerical aperture NAs of a light-emitting source (such as a semiconductor laser) is fusion-spliced with one end of the optical fiber. All lights emitted from the light-emitting source can enter the GRIN lens, and the loss of the light can thereby be reduced. In addition, a second GRIN lens having numerical aperture NA2 is fusion-spliced with one end of the optical fiber having numerical aperture NAf, and further a first GRIN lens having numerical aperture NA1, which is larger than numerical aperture NA2, is fusion-spliced with the other end of the second GRIN lens. Thereby, the light emitted from the light-emitting source can efficiently enter the optical fiber, and loss of the light can thereby be reduced. In this case, the formula expressed by NAf?NA2<NAs?NA1 is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention describes a structure and method for a multi-ports WDM device for compensating the filter distortion while reducing insertion loss. The multi-ports WDM device comprises a 4-fiber collimator having a grin lens and a 2-fiber collimator having a lens where the focal plane of the second lens is shorter than the focal plane of the first grin lens Ands with aspheric surface. When a light signal travels through the first lens in the 4-fiber collimator to a filter, the film on the filter causes distortion to the light signal resulting in a large insertion loss. To compensate for the insertion loss, the lens on the 2-fiber collimator has a aspheric function and a shorter focal plane than the grin lens on the 4-fiber collimator. The type of grin lens used in the 4-fiber collimator is different than the lens used in the 2-fiber collimator. Effectively, the lens in the 2-fiber collimator operates to de-focus a light signal relative to the grin lens in the 4-fiber collimator.

Abstract: It is a collimator adapted to convert divergent light beams outputted from an optical fiber bundle to parallel light beams through a collimator lens. A large diameter optical fiber is disposed between an optical fiber bundle, which is a bundle of a large number of multimode optical fibers and serves as one optical transmission path, and a collimator lens. A cross-section of the core of the large diameter optical fiber is larger than a range in which the cores of the optical fibers of the optical fiber bundle are present. Also, a group of divergent light beams outputted from the optical fibers of the optical fiber bundle is converted by the large diameter optical fiber to one light beam.

Abstract: An illuminating unit having a plurality of light emitting devices and collimators and a projection type image display apparatus using the same are provided. The illuminating unit includes: a plurality of light emitting devices which output light beams of predetermined wavelengths; a plurality of collimators, each having a parabolic reflection surface for reflecting the light beam in a predetermined direction, a mounting section for locating the light emitting device at the focal point of the parabolic reflection surface, a light output surface opposite to the parabolic reflection surface, and a light guide section for guiding the light beam reflected from the parabolic reflection surface to the light output surface; and one or more fixing members having two or more steps for mounting the light emitting devices and the collimators on their top surface. A plurality of light emitting devices and collimators are efficiently arranged in a small space.

Abstract: In an optical tap module, a first lens, a focusing lens, and a photodiode are arranged such that a center axis of a cylindrical case housing the first lens, the focusing lens, and the photodiode is substantially located on the same line. When light propagates through a second optical fiber and is emitted from an end surface facing the first lens so as to be incident on an optical filter, and light transmitted the optical filter is converged by the focusing lens, the photodiode and a chip mounting support are arranged such that a focal point of light is located spatially distant from the surfaces of the photodiode and the chip mounting support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beam homogenizer being equipped with an optical waveguide having a pair of reflection planes provided oppositely, having one end surface into which the laser beam is incident, and having the other end surface from which the laser beam is emitted in the optical system for forming the beam spot. The optical waveguide is a circuit being able to keep radiation light in a certain region and to transmit the radiation light in such a way that the energy flow thereof is guided in parallel with an axis of the channel.

Abstract: An light emitting apparatus which illuminates an illumination area has a first light source which emits a first light, a second light source which emits a second light, a wheel which is provided with a transmission filter area which transmits the first light, and a reflection area which reflects the second light, a wheel driving unit which controls a rotation of the wheel, and drives the wheel, a light emitting optical unit which leads the first light which transmits the transmission filter area, or the second light which is reflected by the reflection area to the illumination area, in which the light which is led to the illumination area by the light emitting optical unit is at least two colors of light which are successively changed over in the time series.

Abstract: Light to be sensed is spreaded across an entry surface of a transmission structure with a laterally varying energy transmission function. For example, the light could be output from a stimulus-wavelength converter, provided through an optical fiber, or it could come from a point-like source or broad area source. Output photons from the transmission structure can be photosensed by photosensing components such as an array, position sensor, or array of position sensors. Wavelength information from the light can be obtained in response to the photosensing component. Spreading can be performed by air, gas, transparent material, or vacuum in a gap, by a region or other part of a lens, or by an optical fiber end surface. If the light comes from more than one source, a propagation component can both spread the light and also keep light from the sources separate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optical isolation in high peak power fiber-optic systems prevent damage to a facet within a fiber-optic isolator caused by back-reflected light from, for example, an optical amplifier. Preventing damage to the facet may include expanding a mode area of the back-reflected light and/or reducing a change in refractive index.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward an optical transmission system comprising a primary path disposed between a first end and a second end. The primary path is configured to transmit optical signals between the first end and the second end. A secondary path is disposed between the first end and the second end. The secondary path is configured to transmit optical signals between the first end and the second end, e.g., in the event of a break in the primary path. A first variable ratio coupler is coupled to the primary path and the secondary path between the first end and the second end. The first variable ratio coupler is configured to adjust a coupling ratio between the primary path and the secondary path.

Abstract: A compact backlight system for illuminating a display device has a front wall and a rear wall situated opposite thereto. At least one light source comprising a light-emitting diode is provided with a translucent lens-shaped cover. The system has at least one light input structure for coupling light from the light source into the light-emitting panel. During operation, light originating from the light source is incident on the light input structure and distributes itself in the light-emitting panel. According to the invention the light input structure is conically or frustoconically shaped towards the light source. The thickness dp of the light-emitting panel is smaller than the diameter dc of the translucent lens-shaped cover of the light source. Preferably, the light input structure is of prismatic or pyramidal shape.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises a substrate, first and second transmission optical elements on the substrate, and an optical component (such as an isolator) and focusing optical element(s) on the substrate between the transmission elements. Transmission elements may include planar waveguide(s) formed on the substrate and/or optical fiber(s) mounted in groove(s) on the substrate. The focusing element(s) may include: gradient-index (GRIN) segment(s) mounted on the substrate or spliced onto a fiber, a focusing segment(s) of a planar waveguide, ball lens(es), aspheric lens(es), and/or Fresnel lens(es). A dual-lens optical assembly comprises a pair of GRIN segments secured to a substrate in one or more grooves, and may be formed from a common length of GRIN optical medium. An optical component (such as an isolator) is positioned between the paired GRIN segments, and optical power is transmitted by the dual-lens assembly between planar waveguide(s) and/or fiber(s) through the optical component.

Abstract: An optical projection device including an illumination system, a reflective light valve and a projection lens is provided. The adjustable reflection sheet is disposed behind the adjustable rod integrator along the light transmission path of the light beam. In addition, the reflective light valve is disposed behind the adjustable reflection sheet along the light transmission path of the light beam. The adjustable rod integrator can shift the light transmission path of the light beam so as to be incident to the reflective light valve. Moreover, the projection lens is disposed behind the reflective light valve along the light transmission path of the light beam. The adjustable reflection sheet can shift the light transmission path of the light beam so as to pass through the stopper of the projection lens.

Abstract: Provided is an optical component for optical communication which is capable of suitably accepting a request to reduce a size, resisting a thermal expansion coefficient difference between constituent elements, and adjusting incident and exit modes relative to an end of an optical fiber to thereby constantly attain optical characteristics which correspond to the request. The optical component includes a fiber holding member (3) holding an optical fiber (2), and a lens (4) which is located on an optical path extending from an end of the optical fiber (2) and attached to the fiber holding member (3). A flat portion (4a) formed in a rear end of the lens (4) is bonded to be fixed to a flat portion (6a) of an end of the fiber holding member (3) such that the flat portion (4a) of the lens (4) is opposed to the end of the optical fiber (2). A gap is provided between the flat portion (4a) of the lens (4) and the end (2a) of the optical fiber (2).

Abstract: A line attenuation device for monomode fibers having at least one attenuating element with at least one graded-index multimode fiber section placed between two monomode fibers and coupled to at least one coreless silica fiber section.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus illuminating an objective illumination region comprises a plurality of illuminants having light-emitting surfaces radiating diffused light, an illuminant substrate in which the illuminants are disposed so as to be set in array on the circumference, at least one optical member configured to guide the diffused light to the objective illumination region, a movable section configured to drive the optical member so as to be rotatable around the center of the circumference serving as a rotation center, and a lighting control section configured to control a light-emitting timing of the plurality of illuminants. The movable section and the lighting control section operate together such that the quantity of light per unit time of the diffused light guided to the objective illumination region is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An optical switch easy to adjust optical parts without using a catoptric system and an optical add/drop multiplexer using the optical switch are provided. Between an input light outputting collimator device 20 and an output light inputting collimator device 21 provided to face each other at a predetermined spaced interval, a drop light inputting collimator device 22 and an add light outputting collimator device 23 fixed and held on a movable holding member 24a in common are moved forward and retreated, and thereby a switching is conducted.

Abstract: A filter module is provided for an optical communications system. The filter module includes a lens, three optical fibers, an optical filter, and a mirror. The three optical fibers are arranged on a single side of the lens. The lens includes a first face coated with the optical filter and that faces the mirror. The optical fibers are arranged on a second face of the lens. A cascade of the filter modules are configured to connect and form a multiplexing/demultiplexing unit.

Abstract: A thin film interleaver device is disclosed. The thin film interleaver includes thin film optics. The thin film(s) are formed such that they reflect one group of wavelengths while allowing a second group of wavelengths to pass through the thin film(s). The thin film(s) exhibit a flat top frequency response across the channel bandwidths of the multiplexed signal for which the thin film filter is designed such that the thin film interleaver is less sensitive to wavelength drift and temperature variations.

Abstract: Method for connecting an optical fiber to a GRIN lens, and a method for producing an optical filter module having an optical fiber and a GRIN lens, comprising arranging the optical fiber in contact with or in the immediate vicinity of the GRIN lens, directing a laser beam onto a part of the optical fiber and/or a part of the GRIN lens, the laser beam heating at least a part of the optical fiber and/or a part of the GRIN lens in such a way that a connection is formed between the optical fiber and the GRIN lens, and the optical axis of the laser beam being aligned oblique to the optical axis of the optical fiber, as well as optical filter modules produced in accordance with the method.

Abstract: Techniques for designing optical devices that can be manufactured in volume are disclosed. An optical assembly is build individually and includes a first tube with one end being polished to a slanted angle and attached with a filter. Because of the slanted angle, a predefined angle of incidence can be defined. The assembly is then bonded to a substrate on which other components or more such assemblies are bonded to form an integrated piece. Depending on implementation, the first tube may include no other element, a lens, or a lens and a fiber pigtail that are encapsulated. In the case that the first tube includes no other element or only a lens, a second tube is provided to include a fiber pigtail and a lens, or simply a fiber pigtail. One of the advantages of having two tubes is the underlying mechanism providing a lateral adjustment between the two tubes.

Abstract: Integrated optical waveguides and methods for the production thereof which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad. The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide, or a bend.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus illuminating an objective illumination region comprises a plurality of illuminants having light-emitting surfaces radiating diffused light, an illuminant substrate in which the illuminants are disposed so as to be set in array on the circumference, at least one optical member configured to guide the diffused light to the objective illumination region, a movable section configured to drive the optical member so as to be rotatable around the center of the circumference serving as a rotation center, and a lighting control section configured to control a light-emitting timing of the plurality of illuminants. The movable section and the lighting control section operate together such that the quantity of light per unit time of the diffused light guided to the objective illumination region is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A filter module includes a first optical fiber collimator, a second optical fiber collimator, and a filter located between the first and second optical fiber collimators. The first optical fiber collimator includes a first optical fiber, a first optical fiber chip for holding the first optical fiber, and a first lens. The second optical fiber collimator includes second optical fibers, a second optical fiber chip for holding the second optical fiber, and a second lens. The filter is located between and coaxial with the first and second lenses. The filter, the first lens, and the second lens form a center piece of the filter module.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus illuminating an objective illumination region comprises a plurality of illuminants having light-emitting surfaces radiating diffused light, an illuminant substrate in which the illuminants are disposed so as to be set in array on the circumference, at least one optical member configured to guide the diffused light to the objective illumination region, a movable section configured to drive the optical member so as to be rotatable around the center of the circumference serving as a rotation center, and a lighting control section configured to control a light-emitting timing of the plurality of illuminants. The movable section and the lighting control section operate together such that the quantity of light per unit time of the diffused light guided to the objective illumination region is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Affords efficiently and at low cost optical fibers capped at the end with a working, tiny optically diffractive film. An optical fiber includes a diffractive film formed onto an endface thereof, or onto the endface of a collimator joined to the endface of the fiber; the diffractive film includes a transparent DLC (diamond-like carbon) layer; and the DLC layer includes a modulated-refractive-index diffraction grating containing local regions of relatively high refractive index and local regions of relatively low refractive index.

Abstract: A bench-joining optical component and a first optical component are aligned on a first optical bench, and then rigidly coupled to the first bench, in order to form a first portion of an optical subassembly. Following completion of the first portion, all components in the first portion are pre-aligned and fixed with respect to each other, moving as a unit. A third optical component is aligned and permanently coupled to a second optical bench, in order to form a second portion of the optical sub-assembly. The first and second portions of optical sub-assembly are combined by positioning an exposed side of the bench joining optical component on the second bench, aligning the bench-joining optical component with the third optical component on the second bench, and permanently securing the bench-joining optical component to the second bench.

Abstract: The present invention describes a structure and method for a multi-ports WDM device for compensating the filter distortion while reducing insertion loss. The multi-ports WDM device comprises a 4-fiber collimator having a grin lens and a 2-fiber collimator having a lens where the focal plane of the second lens is shorter than the focal plane of the first grin lens Ands with aspheric surface. When a light signal travels through the first lens in the 4-fiber collimator to a filter, the film on the filter causes distortion to the light signal resulting in a large insertion loss. To compensate for the insertion loss, the lens on the 2-fiber collimator has a aspheric function and a shorter focal plane than the grin lens on the 4-fiber collimator. The type of grin lens used in the 4-fiber collimator is different than the lens used in the 2-fiber collimator. Effectively, the lens in the 2-fiber collimator operates to de-focus a light signal relative to the grin lens in the 4-fiber collimator.

Abstract: As a wavelength selection filter, a filter in which dielectric multilayered films are formed on a substrate, an optical fiber grating in which diffraction grating is formed in an optical fiber, and so on, can be used. As another optical demultiplexer 33, as described in Japanese Patent No. 2599876, an arrayed optical waveguide diffraction grating which forms plural optical waveguides having different length of optical paths on the substrate to demultiplex the multiple wavelength light to the respective wavelengths can be used.

Abstract: Gradient index lenses are described that are integrated within a planar optical structure. The gradient index lens is optically coupled to a planar optical waveguide. In some embodiments, the gradient index lens with variation in index-of-refraction in one dimension is within an optical fiber. The optical fiber includes cladding at least along the edges of the central plane of the gradient index lens. Methods for forming the integrated structures are described. Further optical structures involving the gradient index lenses are also described.

Abstract: An illumination unit for a projection image display. The illumination unit includes a light source, an integrator which converts light emitted from the light source to have uniform optical intensity, and an aspect ratio conversion unit which transmits light emitted from the integrator that does not correspond to an aspect ratio of image information back to the integrator, and converts and emits incident light to correspond to the aspect ratio of the image information.

Abstract: A single-sided optical switching device for functioning as a dual switch wherein individual switches share common switching means is disclosed. The individual switches have separate ports and share common switching means formed by a moveable refractor, a single lens and a stationary reflector, wherein the movable refractor is positionable between the lens and the stationary reflector for redirecting light within ports of individual switches. An embodiment of the device provides a single-sided dual 2×2 bypass switch comprising a single lens and a single switching element.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rod with an optical thin film which comprises forming a rod block by arranging a plurality of rods each having a circular cross section in parallel to one another along the axis of each rod and by allowing a resin to enter gaps between rods adjacent to one another to fix the rods to one another. The rod block is cut into a predetermined length. The endfaces of each rod positioned on the cut endface of the rod block are then polished. An optical thin film is formed on the polished endfaces of each rod. The resin has a melting point higher than the temperature used in forming the film. The rods are separated from one another by removing the resin from the rod block.

Abstract: An optical collimator for single mode fibers includes a fiber segment (S1) with mode expansion including an entry and an exit for a light beam. The entry of the fiber segment with mode expansion is on the side at which the core diameter is the smallest, and the exit is on the side at which the core diameter is the largest. The collimator further includes a fiber segment (S2) with expansion holding coupled to the exit, the core diameter of which is equal to or greater than the largest core diameter of the fiber segment with mode expansion, so that the diameter of the light beam guided for this segment is kept constant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of fixedly mounting a graded-index rod lens to a holder easily with high reliability without requiring machining of one end face of the rod lens which is difficult to achieve if the lens has a small diameter. The present invention also offers an optical component having the graded-index rod lens inserted and fixed in a through hole formed in the holder. A part of the through hole on the side of one end face of the rod lens is formed as a tapering hole. A transparent member is molded so as to be tightly fitted with the holder such that the whole end face of the lens and at least a part of the inner surface of the tapering hole are covered with the transparent member. A part of the surface of the transparent member is shaped spherically or aspherically to form a molded lens.

Abstract: A method for making a high-power fused collimator, and a fused collimator made thereby, are provided. A fused collimator is provided that includes an end of a stripped end portion of an optical fiber fused to a proximal face of a silica lens. In an embodiment, a toroidal element is positioned in surrounding relation to the fiber's stripped end portion, and a joint formed by the fiber end and the toroidal element proximal face is substantially surrounded with a solder glass in a melted form. A cross-sectional area of the solder glass decreases proximally from a distal edge adjacent the lens to a proximal edge located along the fiber's stripped end portion. Then the solder glass is permitted to harden, forming a fused collimator.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral characters, which are then focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the present invention may be further equipped with servo-control and spectral power-management capabilities, thereby maintaining the coupling efficiencies of the spectral channels into the output ports at desired values.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are then focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into multiple output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the present invention may be further equipped with servo-control and spectral power-management capabilities, thereby maintaining the coupling efficiencies of the spectral channels into the output ports at desired values.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the invention may further employ a polarization diversity scheme, whereby polarization-sensitive effects become inconsequential and insertion loss is minimized. The WSR apparatus of the invention may additionally be equipped with servo-control and channel equalization capabilities.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are then focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports, thereby constituting a dynamic optical drop module (RODM). By operating an RODM in reverse, a dynamic optical add module (ROAM) is also provided. The RODM (or ROAM) of the present invention may be further equipped with servo-control and power-management capabilities.

Abstract: An optical attenuator for attenuating a collimated beam of light propagating along an optical path while preserving the composition of polarization of the collimated beam of light is disclosed. The optical attenuator comprises a beam attenuator for attenuating a portion of the collimated beam of light when a portion of the beam attenuator is disposed within the optical path. The beam attenuator has a cross section along a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the collimated beam of light of the portion of the attenuator in the shape of a wedge. The attenuation is varied using a controller for moving the beam attenuator in order to vary a size of the portion of the wedge within the optical path.