Apparatus for separating and/or combining optical signals, and methods of making and operating it
US6456765B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2201/307
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for processing optical signals includes a cladding material having therein at least two elongate core regions which serve as respective waveguides. A coupling portion therein includes adjacent and parallel portions of the two waveguides which extend sufficiently closely for a sufficient distance to permit coupling of radiation between these waveguide portions. Structure is provided that respectively permits and frustrates such coupling for respective component signals having respective different wavelengths. The coupling portion may optionally include an externally controlled switching section that can have a selected one of two states in which is respectively transmissive and nontransmissive to radiation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.