Abstract: A spectrometer is provided and includes a substrate including a transparent material, and a filter array disposed on a first surface of the substrate and including light filters configured to reflect first light. The spectrometer further includes a first light detector into which the first light reflected by the light filters enters, the first light detector being disposed on a second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An optical transmitter including an optical waveguide and N microring resonators (MRRs) coupled to the optical waveguide is provided. In such an optical transmitter each of the N MRRs having a different coupling coefficient determining the amount of coupling to the optical waveguide, wherein N>1. In some embodiments, each of the N MRRs has a different spacing distance from the optical waveguide, wherein the coupling coefficient for each MRR is dependent on the spacing. In some embodiments the optical transmitter further includes an input for receiving N drive signals from a controller, each drive signal shifting the resonant wavelength of the corresponding MRR to control the optical power coupled in the corresponding MRR from the optical waveguide in which an optical signal propagates.

Abstract: An optical module is composed of a plurality of optical elements to emit or receive light rays having wavelengths different from each other, and a plurality of optical members arranged in correspondence with the plurality of optical elements respectively. The plurality of optical members each of which includes a mirror section to transmit a predetermined transmission band wavelength light ray while reflecting a predetermined reflection band wavelength light ray, and a lens section located opposite the corresponding optical element. The plurality of optical members are positioned and disposed in such a manner that the respective lens sections thereof collimate or converge the light rays to be emitted or received by the plurality of optical elements respectively, while the respective mirror sections thereof multiplex or demultiplex the light rays to be emitted or received by the plurality of optical elements respectively.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: when a first laser in N lasers is switched to a second idle laser in M lasers, a wavelength of a wavelength-selective optical element to which the first laser is coupled is adjusted from a first wavelength to a second wavelength, and the second wavelength is different from the N wavelengths. Similarly, when a first optical receiver in N optical receivers is switched to a second idle optical receiver in M optical receivers, a wavelength of a wavelength-selective optical element to which the first optical receiver is coupled is adjusted from a first wavelength to a second wavelength, and the second wavelength is different from the N wavelengths.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe an optical receiver that demultiplexes a multi-wavelength optical signal into a plurality of optical signals with respective wavelengths. Stated differently, the various wavelengths in the received optical signal are separated into different optical signals with different wavelengths. In one embodiment, the optical receiver includes a plurality of optical filters that is aligned with a mirror to perform the demultiplexing function. The embodiments herein disclose optical receivers where the optical components performing the demultiplexing function using a ball lens aligned with optical filters.

Abstract: An upgradeable electrical add/drop multiplexer is provided that is capable of processing light at numerous wavelengths thereby eliminating the need to add an optical add/drop multiplexer to an existing electrical add/drop multiplexer to process new services provided at different wavelengths than the wavelengths for which the existing electrical add/drop multiplexer are designed. The electrical add/drop multiplexer may be used to process light transmitted over a passive optical network under an RFoG, EPON, and/or 10GPON standard or any combination thereof or may be upgraded for future standards.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for limiting the angle of incidence (AOI) of light reaching a dichroic filter. The apparatus may include an AOI filter element and the dichroic filter. The apparatus may be a sensor and may include a photodetector. The dichroic filter may be configured to prevent light having a wavelength outside a band pass region from reaching the photodetector and to pass light having a wavelength within the band pass. Physical limitations of the dichroic filter may preclude the dichroic filter from preventing high AOI light having a wavelength outside a band pass region from reaching the photodetector. The AOI filter element may be configured to prevent light having a high AOI from reaching the dichroic band pass filter and to propagate light having a low AOI to the dichroic band pass filter. The AOI filter element may be a fiber optic bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: Multi-laser transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA). In one example embodiment, a method of fabricating a multi-laser TOSA includes various acts. First, first and second optical signals are transmitted from first and second lasers, respectively. Next, the angle of a first collimating lens is actively adjusted to cause the second optical signal to be aligned with the first optical signal as the first optical signal passes through a first filter and as the second optical signal is reflected by the first filter such that the first and second optical signals are aligned and combined.

Abstract: A prism including a substrate faceted to provide a plurality of flat surfaces, wherein at least two of the plurality of surfaces, each including a filter coating, form at least two filter surfaces, wherein each filter surface selectively permits passage of a predetermined wavelength and reflects remaining wavelengths along an optical path towards another of the plurality of surfaces, optionally another filter surface, wherein an angle of incidence of each of the plurality of surfaces along the optical path is equal or nearly equal. An apparatus incorporating the prism and its use for splitting a light spectrum into a plurality of wavelengths or wavelength ranges.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an optically powered transducer with a photovoltaic collector. An optical fiber power delivery method and system and a free space power delivery method are also provided. A fabrication process for making an optically powered transducer is further described, together with an implantable transducer system based on optical power delivery.

Abstract: An optical transmitting apparatus includes semiconductor laser elements. Upon receiving laser beams, a multiplexed beam is emitted from a wavelength multiplexing filter. The wavelength multiplexing filter includes a triangular prism and a wavelength multiplexing filter film. A front end face and a rear end face of the prism are not parallel to each other so that a prism angle at which a surface parallel to the front end face intersects a surface parallel to the rear end face, is an acute angle. The prism angle is the angle at which the laser beam impinging from the front end face into the triangular prism is reflected by the wavelength multiplexing filter film toward the front end face and the multiplexed beam is directed to the optical axis side of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods of enhancing channel bandwidth in an optical system having a number of wavelength selective switching (WSS) devices. The method includes the steps of passing the optical signals through the WSS devices by: (i) spatially dispersing the wavelength channels of the optical signals; (ii) projecting the spatially dispersed channels onto corresponding predetermined regions of an optical manipulation matrix including a plurality of individually addressable manipulating elements; (iii) determining a modification function that specifies a state for each manipulating element within the predetermined region; and (iv) driving the elements of the corresponding regions at states specified by the function to selectively modify the channel band shape such that the received channel's bandwidth is substantially enhanced, and to spatially direct the wavelength channels to predetermined output ports of the WSS devices.

Abstract: An optical module that installs a plurality of laser diodes (LDs) and a composite prism to condense optical beams emitted from the LDs is disclosed. The LDs are arranged on a line so as to level the optical beams within a plane. The composite prism includes input surfaces and output surfaces each corresponding to respective one of the input surfaces. The composite prism outputs optical beams whose intervals are narrowed compared with intervals of the optical beams entering therein.

Abstract: An optical transmitting apparatus includes semiconductor laser elements. Upon receiving laser beams, a multiplexed beam is emitted from a wavelength multiplexing filter. The wavelength multiplexing filter includes a triangular prism and a wavelength multiplexing filter film. A front end face and a rear end face of the prism are not parallel to each other so that a prism angle at which a surface parallel to the front end face intersects a surface parallel to the rear end face, is an acute angle. The prism angle is the angle at which the laser beam impinging from the front end face into the triangular prism is reflected by the wavelength multiplexing filter film toward the front end face and the multiplexed beam is directed to the optical axis side of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A multicast optical switch includes a free-space optical assembly of discrete splitters, cylindrical optics, and a linear array of reflective switching devices, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirrors, to provide low-loss, high-performance multicast switching in a compact configuration. The assembly of optical splitters may include multiple planar lightwave circuit splitters or a multi-reflection beam splitter that includes a linear array of partially reflecting mirrors, each of a different reflectivity.

Abstract: A communication method of an optical communication system in which a plurality of ONUs are connected to an OLT, includes steps (a) allocating, by the OLT, a transmission bandwidth to an ONU capable of an operation in a sleep mode in which an optical transmitter is tentatively halted for a predetermined sleep period, and transmitting a transmission bandwidth notification to the ONU when the ONU is in the sleep mode and when the ONU is not in the sleep mode; (b) receiving, from the ONU to which the transmission bandwidth is allocated, a response signal when the ONU is not in the sleep mode, wherein the response signal is or is not received during the sleep mode; and (c) suppressing, by the OLT, an alarm in the sleep mode, the alarm being caused by a communication failure with the ONU on a basis of the response signal not being received.

Abstract: An optical amplifier using the evanescent light to control the optical output level is provided. The optical amplifier includes: a waveguide path transmitting an optical signal; an optical amplification unit formed on the waveguide path and amplifying the optical signal by an excitation light; an irradiation unit irradiating the excitation light to the optical amplification unit; an optical detection unit generating an electric signal which corresponds to a detected light; a branching unit branching an evanescent light being the optical signal outputted from the optical amplification unit and leaked outside the waveguide path, and focusing the evanescent light on the optical detection unit; a wavelength detection unit detecting a wavelength multiplicity of the optical signal based on the detected evanescent light; and a light amount adjustment unit adjusting a light amount of the excitation light irradiated by the irradiation unit based on the wavelength multiplicity.

Abstract: An optical fiber hub includes an upstream interface for inputting a laser beam, an optical booster amplifier, a splitting element, and N downstream interfaces. The optical booster amplifier is optically communicated with the upstream interface, and configured for amplifying the laser beam. The splitting element is optically communicated with the optical booster amplifier, and configured for splitting the amplified laser beam into N laser beams. The N downstream interfaces are optically communicated with the splitting element. Each of the N downstream interfaces is configured for outputting one of the N laser beams, wherein N is an integer which is equal to or greater than 2.

Abstract: New designs of optical devices, particularly for dropping a selected wavelength or a group of wavelengths as well as demultiplexing a multiplexed signal into several signals, are disclosed. An optical device employs thin film filters with reflectors to reassemble as a fiber Bragg grating. Depending on implementation, a reflector may be a mirror or a coated substrate disposed in a unique way to reflect a light beam from a filter back to a common port of a device. The reflector may also be coated accordingly to bypass a certain portion of the light beam for other purposes. As a result, the optical devices so designed in accordance with the present invention are amenable to small footprint, enhanced impact performance, lower cost, and easier manufacturing process.

Abstract: An optical fiber hub includes an upstream port for receiving a light signal from a upstream host, a light splitting element, N downstream ports, and a light converging element. The light splitting element is configured for splitting the light signal into N light beams. The N downstream ports are optically communicated with the light splitting element, and each of the downstream ports is used for receiving a corresponding one of the light beams and transmitting the corresponding light beam to a corresponding downstream peripheral, and receiving a light signal from the corresponding downstream peripheral, wherein N is an integer which is equal to or greater than 2. The light converging element is used for converging light signals from the N downstream ports and transmitting the converged light signals to the upstream port.

Abstract: A triplexer including an optics block including a first port configured to receive a first light beam at a first wavelength and a second light beam at a second wavelength, and a second port configured to receive a third light beam at a third wavelength, a bounce cavity between the first and second ports, the bounce cavity being formed by opposing reflective elements adjacent respective surfaces of the optics block, a first grating opposite the first port, the first grating receiving all three light beams at substantially a same location thereon, the first grating configured to provide the first and second light beams to the bounce cavity and the third light beam to the first port, and a second grating opposite the second port, the second grating receiving the first and second light beams at spatially separated portions thereon.

Abstract: A tunable chromatic dispersion compensation device used to compensate chromatic dispersion of wavelength of at least one predetermined wavelength band of light signal is provided. The tunable chromatic dispersion compensation device comprises a chromatic dispersion compensator, and a controller. The chromatic dispersion compensator comprises at least a first chromatic dispersion compensation unit and a second chromatic dispersion compensation unit connected with the first chromatic dispersion compensation unit in series. The first chromatic dispersion compensation unit has a free spectral range, the second chromatic dispersion compensation unit has a free spectral range same as to that of the first chromatic dispersion compensation unit. Each chromatic dispersion compensation unit comprises an interference cavity. The controller comprises an inputting unit being configured for inputting a predetermined chromatic dispersion compensation information.

Abstract: There is provided a filter assembly for combining a wavelength multiplexed optical signal by multiplexing optical signals of different wavelength emitted from respective optical devices, and/or for dividing a wavelength multiplexed optical signal into optical signals of different wavelength and causing the optical signals of different wavelength to enter respective optical devices. This filter assembly comprises: a light transmitting member within which each optical signal propagates; plural optical filters disposed on an upper face of the light transmitting member at a predetermined spacing wherein each optical signal passes through the optical filters; upper reflective layers respectively provided between adjacent ones of the optical filters; and a lower reflective layer provided on a lower face of the light transmitting member, and wherein the wavelength multiplexed optical signal propagates along the same optical path within the light transmitting member.

Abstract: An optical add/drop multiplexer includes a first optical coupler receiving an optical signal including a plurality of multiplexed wavelengths, a wavelength blocker receiving the optical signal from the first optical coupler, and blocking at least one wavelength of the plurality of multiplexed wavelengths, a first wavelength selective switch, having one input port receiving the outputted optical signal from the first optical coupler and a plurality of output ports, demultiplexing a plurality of arbitrarily selected multiplexed wavelengths from the received optical signal, a second wavelength selective switch, having a plurality of input ports, each input port receiving a different optical signal and one output port, multiplexing a plurality of arbitrarily selected wavelength signals on the plurality of input ports, and a second optical coupler receiving the optical signal output from the wavelength blocker and multiplexed wavelength signal from the second wavelength selective switch.

Abstract: A bi-directional optical module with an improved optical crosstalk between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit is disclosed. The optical module provides the LD, the PD, the WDM filter secured with the block, and the package with the co-axial shape. The block provides a slant surface, where the WDM filter is secured thereon, the bottom surface facing the PD mounted on the package, and an aperture connecting the slant surface and the bottom surface. The PD is enclosed within a space formed by the bottom surface and the primary surface, which electrically and optically isolates the PD from the LD.

Abstract: A tunable filter is provided.

Abstract: A heating system and a method of controlling the heating system are provided. When a heating unit and a switch are turned on and off repeatedly by the predetermined number of times or more, only some of heaters of the heating unit are turned on, thereby increasing service life of the heating unit and the switch.

Abstract: To provide an optical transceiver module comprising an optical prism for optical communications which has mounting portions, a light emitting portion, light receiving portions, a substrate and a sub-mount that are used as the basis of the optical transceiver module, whose configuration is compact with reduced components which are accurately mounted. A sub-mount is provided on the substrate. The composite optical prism is formed with an optical lens provided with mounting supports and a wavelength division film in an integrated fashion. By using marks on the sub-mount for alignment, the composite optical prism can be mounted accurately on the sub-mount. In addition, the light receiving portions and the light emitting portion can be mounted accurately by using marks for alignment provided on the substrate and the sub-mount.

Abstract: Systems and methods for encoding information in the topology of superpositions of helical modes of light, and retrieving information from each of the superposed modes individually or in parallel. These methods can be applied to beams of light that already carry information through other channels, such as amplitude modulation or wavelength dispersive multiplexing, enabling such beams to be multiplexed and subsequently demultiplexed. The systems and methods of the present invention increase the number of data channels carried by a factor of the number of superposed helical modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tunable optical add/drop module (TOADM) monolithically integrated on a single planar lightwave circuit (PLC). The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing virtual pupils at the interface between the channel waveguides and the slab waveguide on the PLC for focusing each wavelength channel, and additional on-chip lenses on the PLC for transforming the focal plane of the spatially dispersive demultiplexer into a substantially flat plane at the edge of the PLC. On-chip lenses are realized as reflective surfaces within slab waveguiding regions having a surface curvature to provide optical power.

Abstract: A micro-optic dual beam-splitter assembly comprises at least two beam-splitter optical filters and at least one photoreceptor. Each of the beam-splitter optical filters comprises an optical substrate having at least a coated or uncoated optical tap surface and a filter surface carrying a thin-film optical filter. The thin-film optical filters are substantially normal to the optical path from an optical signal source. Each of the optical tap surfaces is operative as an optical beam splitter to tap off an optical tap signal. The one or more photoreceptors are arranged to receive both or at least one of the optical tap signals. The tap signals comprise a portion of the optical signals passed along the optical path to the optical filter chips. The filter chips are cooperatively transmissive to an optical signal output port of a selected set of wavelengths received from the optical signal source along the optical path, and are reflective of other wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical module includes a fiber array, a laser diode array, a photodiode array and a micro-lens array. The fiber array includes optical fibers which are divided to a transmitter group and a receiver group. The laser diode array includes laser diodes which are grouped in a transmitter group. The photodiode array includes photodiodes which are divided to a monitor group and a receiver group. The laser diode array is provided between the fiber array and the photodiode array. The optical fibers of the transmitter group are optically aligned with the laser diodes of the transmitter group, respectively. The micro-lens array is provided between the laser diode array and the photodiode array, and optically aligns the laser diodes of the transmitter group and the optical fibers of the receiver group with the photodiodes of the monitor group and the photodiodes of the receiver group, respectively.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexed-passive optical network includes an optical line terminal for generating downstream optical signals of discrete wavelengths and for receiving upstream optical signals of discrete wavelengths, a remote node, coupled to the optical line terminal, a wavelength division unit settled to reflect a predetermined wavelength, and a plurality of optical network units. Each optical network unit has an optical source which is oscillated in a multi-mode and is self-injection locked by the predetermined wavelength provided thereto, thereby to generate the upstream optical signal in a single mode to be provided to the remote node.

Abstract: An optical transmitter for coupling and wavelength-multiplexing optical signals with a different wavelength has 3 or more light sources for emitting parallel optical signals with a different wavelength, and 2 kinds of optical components with a different optical signal reflectance arranged in an optical path of each light source for coupling into one the optical signals emitted from the light sources respectively. The reflectance or transmittance of each of the 2 kinds of optical components is set so that each optical signal has the same optical signal power when reflected off or transmitted through the optical components for being coupled together and output from the optical transmitter.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a method for deflecting an optical signal input into a waveguide is provided. In operation, an optical input signal is propagated through a waveguide. Additionally, an optical control signal is applied to a mask positioned relative to the waveguide such that the application of the optical control signal to the mask is used to influence the optical input signal propagating in the waveguide. Furthermore, the deflected optical input signal output from the waveguide is detected in parallel on an array of detectors. In another general embodiment, a beam deflecting structure is provided for deflecting an optical signal input into a waveguide, the structure comprising at least one wave guiding layer for guiding an optical input signal and at least one masking layer including a pattern configured to influence characteristics of a material of the guiding layer when an optical control signal is passed through the masking layer in a direction of the guiding layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for demultiplexing a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal comprising a plurality of signals each having a different wavelength. The apparatus comprises a demultiplexer sub-assembly and a multi-channel receiver optical sub-assembly. The demultiplexer sub-assembly comprises a filter block sub-assembly for splitting the input optical signal. The receiver optical sub-assembly comprises an array of photo detectors for converting the optical signals from the filter block sub-assembly into electrical signals. The electrical signals are amplified by amplifier ICs and transmitted through electrical leads. The demultiplexer sub-assembly and the multi-channel receiver optical sub-assembly are actively aligned and fixed together.

Abstract: An optical link module of the present invention for connecting light beams by deflection and including light-emitting devices arranged in a planar manner; an optical fiber bundle that is an optical waveguide for receiving the light beams from the light-emitting devices, and an optical turn which includes a plurality of aspherical lenses which are disposed between the light-emitting devices and the optical fiber bundle and are formed while corresponding to the number of the light-emitting devices and the number of optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical channel monitor is provided that sequentially or selectively filters an optical channel(s) 11 of light from a (WDM) optical input signal 12 and senses predetermined parameters of the each filtered optical signal (e.g., channel power, channel presence, signal-noise-ratio). The OCM 10 is a free-space optical device that includes a collimator assembly 15, a diffraction grating 20 and a mirror 22. A launch pigtail emits into free space the input signal through the collimator assembly 15 and onto the diffraction grating 20, which separates spatially each of the optical channels 11 of the collimated light, and reflects the separated channels of light onto the mirror 22. A ?/4 plate 26 is disposed between the mirror 22 and the diffraction grating 20. The mirror reflects the separated light back through the ?/4 plate 26 to the diffraction grating 20, which reflects the channels of light back through the collimating lens 18.

Abstract: An optical sub-assembly (OSA) apparatus for use in an optical transmission system comprises a housing, a plurality of TO-can packaged optical devices, and a plurality of wavelength selective filters. Each of the plurality of TO-can packaged optical devices is sensitive to optical signal of one of a plurality of wavelengths. Each of the plurality of wavelength selective filters is capable of directing an optical signal of the one of the plurality of wavelengths in a pre-determined direction. The OSA apparatus can be used as one of an optical signal receiving apparatus and an optical signal transmitting apparatus.

Abstract: The optical signal multiplexer/demultiplexer of the invention is characterized by incorporating a bidirectional optical transceiver which is capable of using individual channels working in a transmitting and receiving modes simultaneously. The device consists of a number of optical prisms combined into a single module and provided with appropriate dichroic mirrors and interferrometric filters located on the outer surfaces of the prisms. According to one embodiment of the invention, the module consists of two sequentially arranged parallelogram prisms, a single-channel signal input/output unit with an optical collimator/focusator on one side of the prism module and a two-channel signal output/input unit with a respective optical collimator/focusator on the other side of the prism module.

Abstract: The invention relates to wavelength-selective optical filters for allowing light of a narrow optical spectral band, centered around a wavelength (?c) to pass through them, while reflecting the wavelengths lying outside this band. According to the invention, the transfer function (T1,2(?)) of the component is defined by multiplying two transfer functions of spectrally offset Fabry-Perot filters.

Abstract: For use in combining and/or splitting a 3-wavelength multiplexed light, in which if central wavelengths of the three bands are denoted as ?1, ?2 and ?3, in a relation that 0.92??2/?1?1.08, 0.20??3/?1?0.92 or 1.08??3/?1?5.00, the wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing device comprises two optical filters of different characteristics, supported by one of more optical substrates combined in a single package, wherein, when a 3-wavelength multiplexed light is led to a first filter A for splitting the 3-wavelength multiplexed light into light of a band of ?3 and a 2-wavelength multiplexed light of ?1 and ?2, and when the 2-wavelength multiplexed light is led to a second filter B for splitting the 2-wavelength multiplexed light into light of a band of ?1 and light of a band of ?2, an optical edge filter is used for the filter A and an optical band-pass filter is used for the filter B.

Abstract: An optical instrument for splitting optical spectrum, comprising a series of hollow core optical wave guides (12, 22, and so on) connected by optical couplers (16, 26, and so on) transporting broad band incident optical wave from one stage to another, a narrow band optical wave guide (14, 24, and so on) made of photonic crystal materials mounted inside each of said hollow core optical wave guide and along it, and specified for confining certain portion of the incident optical spectrum. Said inner narrow band optical wave guides bend out at the ends of said outer hollow core optical wave guides to extract and guide out the selected component of the incident optical spectrum. Said optical couplers couple the output optical waves of said outer hollow core wave guides of the previous stages into said inner optical wave guides of the next stages for further splitting.

Abstract: An optical conversion device for a shared FTTH distribution network including first and second optical fibers and an optical processing circuit. The optical processing circuit has an input for receiving a first optical analog signal carried by the first optical fiber and an output for providing a first optical digital signal for transmission via the second optical fiber. The optical processing circuit is configured to digitize the first optical analog signal and incorporate into the first optical digital signal. The optical analog signal may be an optical signal which is modulated by an RF signal, which is the same or similar to that of existing HFC networks. High loss electrical signals are converted to low-loss optical signals propagated within the optical plant. The combined optical analog and digital protocol supports analogous communications of existing HFC networks and the optical plant minimizes cost of fiber optic upgrade.

Abstract: A communication optical system having a compact structure and capable of preventing crosstalk is disclosed. The communication optical system includes a light source, a light-receiving element and a beam-splitting member. The beam-splitting member performs one of transmission and reflection towards an incident/emergent port, and performs one of reflection and transmission towards the light-receiving element of a second light beam from the incident/emergent port. The light source and the light-receiving element are arranged on the same side with respect to the beam-splitting member.

Abstract: A wavelength division element includes a first filter and a second filter. The first filter has incident angle-to-transmission wavelength characteristics and separates multiplexed lights in a plurality of wavelength bands into first lights that are in a first wavelength band and first reflected lights. The first filter allows the first lights to pass through in a first direction and reflects the first reflected lights in a second direction. The second filter is located in the second direction and separates the first reflected lights into second lights that are in a second wavelength band and second reflected lights. The second filter allows the second lights to pass through in a third direction and reflects the second reflected lights in a fourth direction.

Abstract: A novel wavelength routing apparatus is disclosed, which uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal from an input port into multiple spectral channels; a channel-interleaving assembly (e.g., an array of prisms) to interleave the spectral channels into two channel groups; and an “augmented relay system” to relay the interleaved channel groups onto two separate arrays of channel micromirrors, respectively. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into multiple output ports. As such, the inventive wavelength routing 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.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus operable to facilitate add/drop multiplexing of optical signals includes an input operable to receive an input optical signal and an added optical signal, the input operable to generate a first and a second copy of the input signal and a first and a second copy of the added signal. The apparatus further includes a plurality of at least substantially reflective surfaces, each operable to receive either the first signal copies or the second signal copies and to reflect the copies for ultimate combination at an output to form an output signal for transmission. At least one of the at least substantially reflective surfaces comprises a moveable mirror operable to change its position relative to the input to create a phase shift between the first and second signal copies so that either the input optical signal or the added optical signal is communicated as the output signal depending on the position of the at least one moveable mirror.

Abstract: A reconfigurable multifunctional optical device has an optical arrangement for receiving an optical signal, each having optical bands or channels, and a spatial light modulator for reflecting the at least one optical signal provided thereon. The optical arrangement features a free optics configuration with a light dispersion element for spreading each optical signal into one or more respective optical bands or channels for performing separate optical functions on each optical signal. The spatial light modulator includes a micro-mirror device with an array of micro-mirrors, and the respective optical bands or channels reflect off respective micro-mirrors. The free optics configuration includes a common set of optical components for performing each separate optical function on each optical signal. The separate optical functions reflect off separate non-overlapping areas on the spatial light modulator. The separate optical functions include optical switching, conditioning or monitoring functions.

Abstract: A method for wavelength-selective mixing and/or distribution of polychromatic light. When mixing polychromatic light, lights having only one wavelength are successively fed to each member of a selective chain to form a partial spectrum, and when distributing chromatic light, one wavelength is filtered out of each member and the remaining spectrum is fed after reflection to the next member for being further decomposed. A chain of photonic crystals is used both for mixing and distributing and a wavelength-selective coupler/decoupler is associated to each crystal. Fields of application include the wavelength-selective mixture or distribution of polychromatic light and spectrometric measurements and environment monitoring.