Reconfigurable multi-add/drop module for optical communications
US6407838B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04J14/0206
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A reconfigurable multi-add/drop module for optical communications. The system includes a first network interface GRIN lens collimator connected on one end to an optical fiber of a communications network. An output of the GRIN lens is directed to a series of slidable two-section channel filters. Each filter is mechanically movable to a first position that passes all wavelengths. The second position of each filter reflects a particular wavelength to a corresponding add/drop GRIN lens collimator that receives the reflected light and outputs it into an add/drop fiber. The outputs from the add/drop collimators are directed to a single add/drop fiber through use of a power combiner. Light that passes through all of the filters is directed into a second network interface GRIN lens collimator for the purpose of coupling the light onto a second network optical fiber. A carrier wavelength can also be entered/added at the add/drop port.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.