Integrated bi-directional axial gradient refractive index/diffraction grating wavelength division multiplexer
US6011884A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4246
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wavelength division multiplexer is provided that integrates an axial gradient refractive index element with a diffraction grating to provide efficient coupling from a plurality of input optical sources (each delivering a single wavelength to the device) which are multiplexed to a single polychromatic beam for output to a single output optical receiver. The device comprises: (a) means for accepting optical input from at least one optical source, the means including a planar surface; (b) a coupler element comprising (1) an axial gradient refractive index collimating lens having a planar entrance surface onto which the optical input is incident and (2) a homogeneous index boot lens affixed to the axial gradient refractive index collimating lens and having a planar but tilted exit surface; (c) a diffraction grating, such as a Littrow diffraction grating, on the tilted surface of the homogeneous index boot lens which combines a plurality of spatially separated wavelengths from the optical light; and (d) means to output at least one multiplexed, polychromatic output beam, the means including a planar surface. The device may be operated in the forward direction as a multiplexer or in th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.