Polarization-independent, environmentally stable optical fiber narrow band multi-window wavelength division multiplexer based on biconical tapered fusion coupler technology
US6498879B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3855
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A structure and method are provided to improve stability of a multi-window dense wavelength division multiplexers and to provide polarization-independent multi-window dense wavelength division multiplexers. In one embodiment, the coupler region of a multi-window wavelength division multiplexer (MWDM) is hermetically sealed in a protective casing to prevent moisture from affecting the passband wavelength drifting in the coupler. In one embodiment, the coupler is elastically twisted at the fused fiber portion to reach polarization cancellation. In another embodiment, the coupling region of the coupler is exposed to UV-radiation for passband wavelength adjustment. In yet another embodiment, a passive thermal compensation technique is used to minimize the thermal effect on the passband wavelengths for dense WDM applications. In a further embodiment, the coupler is mounted on the substrate using soft adhesives in conjunction with rigid adhesives, to improve mechanical shock protection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.